Soccer: Kingz focus on football, not top six

By Terry Madaford

The constant changing of the guard at the Football Kingz continues this weekend with Wynton Rufer and Chris Jackson poised to return for tonight's away match with former National Soccer league champions Brisbane Strikers.

With Marcus Stergiopoulos and Dino Mennillo sidelined after picking up their fourth yellow cards of the season in Wednesday night's 4-1 win over Perth Glory, player-coach Rufer has had to look elsewhere.

"It is frustrating to lose two players like that because of silly bookings," said Rufer. "But it is no use sitting around thinking about it. We have to get out and do the job."

While Rufer probably will not start, Jackson, recovering from a toe injury sustained while playing for the All Whites against South Korea in Palmerston North last Sunday, will almost certainly take Mennillo's midfield role.

Jonathan Perry should step in for Stergiopoulos to join Che Bunce, Lee Jones and Ivan Vicelich, who turned in a strong defensive effort against the West Australians.

"We did well against Perth. Overall we are pleased with the way things are going. It would just be better if we didn't have these little setbacks."

The Kingz are still without Fred de Jong and Aaran Lines but Rufer hopes both will be ready to return for next week's home game against bottom-placed Sydney United.

Rufer ordered a training session for the team on their arrival in Brisbane yesterday afternoon but was not being drawn on their push for a place in the top six. The Kingz go into the match in eighth place - three points behind closest rivals Marconi and five back of Brisbane who hold that vital sixth spot.

"We are not too worried about the top six, really," said Rufer. "It is more important we settle into the league and play good football. The people in New Zealand have not seen football of this standard before. We are winning - without the support we feel we deserve - and overall are happy with things."

The Kingz have lost only once in their past eight outings. With the confidence they have taken from the midweek triumph, they should give the Queenslanders a decent go.