The All Whites have games against Bahrain and Curacao in Bahrain next month and are hopeful of confirming matches in November in Europe or the Middle East. Photosport
The All Whites have games against Bahrain and Curacao in Bahrain next month and are hopeful of confirming matches in November in Europe or the Middle East. Photosport
Over the next few days, All Whites' coach Danny Hay has one pressing priority.
While he will focussed on assembling his squad, negotiating with clubs and scouting upcoming opposition, he will also be urgently seeking a way to come back home.
The All Whites have games against Bahrain and Curacaoin Bahrain next month and are hopeful of confirming matches in November in Europe or the Middle East.
Hay will fly out later this month, but unlike the All Blacks or Blacks Caps, the New Zealand Football delegation don't have pre-approved MIQ spots.
It means that Hay – and his travelling staff – will be online from Monday morning, when the MIQ system is set to reopen, after being frozen during the level four lockdown in Auckland.
"I'm going to be part of `mad Monday', and try and get a MIQ spot there," said Hay. "We are going to stay over there until we have played the November window and look to come home after that."
Danny Hay during an OlyWhites game ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Photosport
"I'll be queuing up with the rest of the New Zealand citizens that are desperate to get back into the country. That is why we are only taking myself and three others overseas; we don't want to put too much pressure on the MIQ system."
Hay admits it is a difficult situation, especially with children Lochie (14) and Maddie (12) at home, but a 'needs must' scenario.
"These games are absolutely critical for us", said Hay.
The fixtures will end a near two year hibernation for the All Whites, since the games in Ireland and Lithuania in November 2019. Hay will take 21 players, though some bigger names may be missing.
"It could be for personal and professional reasons and that is always going to case with international football," said Hay. "We have to be malleable on that front but we have a reasonable amount of depth."
Captain Winston Reid is in the 50-50 category, still returning to full fitness after the knee injury sustained at the Olympics.
"We are monitoring that with him and he is going through some other developments as well," said Hay. "Ultimately we would love to have him there, whether he is 100 per cent fit or not because he is an integral part of our framework and culture."
PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ryan Thomas is unlikely.
"He has had some serious injury setbacks and with a young family, another baby, he has got lots going on in his life so we are mindful of that," said Hay.
Sarpreet Singh should be available, after missing the Oly-Whites campaign to establish himself at Jahn Regensburg in Germany's second tier, while Hay is also confident about Chris Wood, despite Burnley's difficult start to the season (one point from five matches).
"At this stage he is coming," said Hay. "If there one person who is the first to put their hand up for international football, it's Chris Wood. Of course some clubs will not want their players to travel for internationals [but] he is vitally important for us."
While Bahrain are familiar, Curacao should be intriguing opposition. The Caribbean nation and former Dutch colony are ranked No 79 in the world (All Whites 121) and have an impressive player base, with Hay labelling them "basically the Holland third team".
The core of the team play for the best clubs in the Netherlands, while they can also draw on players from the Bundesliga, the English Championship and Portugal's top tier.
"They have some big time players," said Hay. "They are going to be tough and a good challenge."
Just like Hay's travel arrangements over the next few months.
"I'm connecting with players, watching games but then in my spare time trying to do stuff around the house, especially if I am going to be away for a long time," said Hay. "Who knows when I am going to get back?"
All Whites vs Curacao, Sunday October 10, 5am NZT. All Whites vs Bahrain, Wednesday October 13, 5am NZT.
