KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Football Championship's international stakes have taken a step up with attacking Brazilian midfielder Adriano Pimenta signing with Waitakere United.
Adriano, who will celebrate his 26th birthday within days of arriving here on Tuesday, is expected to play for United in the key O-League battle against long-time rivals Auckland City a week from tomorrow.
United chairman Rex Dawkins sees the luring of such an exciting marquee player to the club as "the final piece in the jigsaw" as they prepare for their second tilt at Fifa's World Club Cup in Japan.
"We were looking for a player who would be recognised in Japan," said Dawkins. "We also wanted someone who had played at a good level and could come to us without costing a fortune. Adriano fits the bill perfectly."
The Brazilian has had two stints in Japan playing initially for Nagoya Grampus Eight and more recently for Yokohama FC in the J-League.
"From what we have seen on video, he promises to bring an attacking flair to Waitakere," said Dawkins. "All the reports we have suggest he will be right up there with the best who have played in New Zealand.
"He has made it clear that while he is committed to us until December 21 - when we play YoungHeart Manawatu at home - he could be around longer. He is keen to play in the A-League or maybe return to Japan so he will be making the most of his time here and when we are in Japan."
While he has yet to play for his national side, Adriano is regarded as being very much in the next tier and a player who in his attacking role from midfield has scored spectacular goals in some of the world's top competitions.
The keenly-anticipated showdown between Adelaide United and Waitakere moved a step closer this week with the South Australians completing their Asian Champions League semifinal battle with Uzbekistan club Bunyodkor.
After winning 3-0 at home, Adelaide lost the return0 to progress into next month's final 3-1 on aggregate.
They will now play Japan's Gamba Osaka in the two-leg final (November 5/12) with the winner moving to the second round of the World Club Cup.
If Adelaide lose to Osaka they will play Waitakere at the national stadium in Tokyo on December 11. If Adelaide win Waitakere will play the J-League champions in the 1st round.
With five rounds of the J-League remaining, Kashima Antlers lead Nagoya Grampus and Oita Trinita by two points with Gamba Osaka and defending Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds a further four points back in equal fifth.
Adriano Pimenta:
* Born: November 14, 1982.
* Where: Goiania, Brazil.
* Height: 1.69m.
* Position: Midfield.
* Clubs: Nagoya Grampus Eight (Japan), FC Thun (Switzerland), Yokohama FC (Japan), Bragantino (Brazil), Waitakere United (New Zealand).
