Tvaroh looks certain for United's opener

Hard-nosed midfielder Miriek Tvaroh looks certain to be part of the Wairarapa United team which will kick off their first-ever central league men's soccer campaign against Wellington United at Centennial Park, Miramar on Sunday.
Tvaroh had been in doubt after rolling an ankle in the warm-up before the pre-season match with fellow central leaguer at Petone a couple of weekends ago.
Initial fears were that Tvaroh might have broken the ankle, or at least strained it badly enough to keep him sidelined for several weeks, but he was moving freely enough during Tuesday's training session to suggest he will take his place in the starting line-up.
Wairarapa United coach Phil Keinzley made no secret of his relief at the speed of Tvaroh's recovery.
"He's the sort of guy who never takes a backward step, who is always willing to put his body on the line," Keinzley said of Tvaroh "He's a big presence on and off the ball, we're obviously a lot better team with him in the mix."
Making his debut in the Wairarapa United colours on Sunday will be Manawatu national league skipper Adam Cowan, who will play in the right half position.
Keinzley said Cowan had made an immediate impression at training with his vision and ball distribution skills and also added extra strength to an already powerful goal scoring department, having played mostly at striker for Manawatu. "He (Cowan) has many talents, and we intend to take advantage of all of them," Keinzley said.
Another newcomer to the Wairarapa United squad in midfielder Chris Kirkham is on the doubtful list for Sunday because of a knee injury which will probably see him rested for a busy Easter weekend. Then Wairarapa United will be at home to defending central league champions Miramar Rangers on the Friday and again to Taranaki United on the Monday.
Talented Rathkeale College utility player Kote Maeno is out for the opening game because of an inter-school commitment while Keinzley is still debating over who will start at right fullback with two proven performers there, Sakeo Valevou, and Andy Robertson, currently being bracketed in that role.
With two big wins over North Wellington and Petone in their pre-season build-up, Keinzley has good reason to anticipate a strong performance from Wairarapa United on Sunday, especially with Wellington United being one of the lesser lights in last season's central league series.
But Keinzley is well aware of the dangers of over-confidence and is quick to point out that teams can change dramatically from one season to the next in terms of personnel and he has little knowledge of where Wellington United are at in that respect.
"Honestly, I basically know zilch about them so it would be stupid to start talking about a likely scoreline," he said.
"What we do know though is that they understand what central league play is all about, and we don't. It's new to us and so we're taking nothing for granted, nothing at all."
The Wairarapa United starting line-up for Sunday will be: Sacha Nathu, Carl Shailer Waisake Sabutu, James Oxtoby, Andy Robertson or Sakeo Valevou, Adam Cowan, Miriek Tvaroh, Pita Rabo (captain), Aaron Spierling, Paul Gregory, Seule Soromon.