Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková hopes her side can play in New Zealand next year. Photo / Photosport
Football Ferns head coach Jitka Klimková hopes her side can play in New Zealand next year. Photo / Photosport
Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková admits she "can't wait" to have games back in New Zealand, off the back of the Government's recent announcement around revised quarantine procedures for 2022.
On Wednesday, the Government revealed plans for a staged opening of the border, with the country open for fully vaccinatedvisitors from April 30 next year.
There are still self-isolation requirements, but the move offers the hope that some women's international matches could be staged next year, even if there are additional exemptions required for the travelling opponents.
It's long overdue, as the Ferns have barely been sighted in New Zealand in recent times.
Their last match here was against Japan in Wellington in June 2018, prior to that a fixture with Australia in February 2015.
Over the last seven years, only three of 65 Ferns' games have been on home soil.
New Zealand Football knows that situation has to change, as they try to develop the identity and fan base of the team, ahead of the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup, and part of their ongoing strategic plan is more matches in this country.
"Oh my gosh, I can't wait," said Klimková, when asked about the prospect. "And it's not just me. I think the whole team just can't wait to be in New Zealand, be together, be home and have this buzz that we are going to explore and experience during the World Cup. So yeah, if we can, we will."
If that's the future goal, the more pressing assignment is the upcoming two-match series with South Korea, with the first game on Saturday.
Klimková has again cast the net wide, with six changes to the squad that faced Canada, for various reasons.
Her brief is to build depth, and there is an opportunity in the forward line in this window, with the absence of veterans Hannah Wilkinson (injury) and Rosie White, who didn't make the trip due to MIQ uncertainty.
Football Ferns ahead of their clash against Canada in October. Photo / Photosport
Rookies Ava Collins and Jacqui Hand have been retained from the Canada trip, while Katie Rood and Paige Satchell return after missing that series.
"It's important for us to have more options for the future," said Klimková. "It's not about hey, we have 'Wilkie' (Wilkinson) as a nine and that's all and we are going to be stuck with that starting XI. And then we have a huge gap and not having anybody. That's very dangerous."
One of the most intriguing storylines of this tour is the presence in camp of former England age group representative Grace Neville, who is eligible for both nations.
The 21-year-old won't play in either match in Korea but has been brought in to experience the environment.
"It's really about exploring where she is and if it's the right fit [for her], because it's a huge decision for this young lady," said Klimková. "She has a goal to play for a [senior] woman's national team, and she has two options now.
"We want to give her a little bit of time to make the right decision as well as see if we are the right fit for her. And of course from our part, we want to see her and decide if she's the right fit for us."
Unfortunately, Neville, who plays for the London City Lionesses in England's second tier, hasn't been able to train due to illness.
"I haven't seen her playing yet," said Klimková. "So we'll see where she is when she's healthy. I am sure she is a quality player."
Asked about overall aims for the tour, Klimková wanted to continue to broaden the base and build the playing style but also compete well against Korea, who are ranked 18th on Fifa's list (New Zealand are 23).
"It's a balance," said Klimková. "It's still very important for us to have good results."
The Football Ferns take on South Korea at Goyang Stadium on Saturday, 6pm.
