Soccer: Kingz get real over big-name players

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Football Kingz will have to live and die on their own in their chase for a place in the top six National Soccer League play-offs.

While some Australian clubs have happily shelled out big bucks for guest appearances by big-name players, Kingz chairman Chris Turner has said his club has no such plans.

"We have to be realistic," said Turner. "While we would obviously love to be in a position to bring in one of the overseas stars, we have to look at it sensibly. There is no way we could attract the crowds we would need to make it feasible."

It is understood Ian Rush was paid $A50,000 plus expenses for each of his two games for Sydney Olympic, while Peter Beardsley has just been signed to play two games for the Melbourne Knights.

The Kingz are back at North Harbour Stadium tonight with the chance of completing a notable double.

They meet league leaders Olympic fully aware that they are one of only five teams to beat the high-flying Sydney side this season.

"It is a great challenge," said Kingz player-coach Wynton Rufer. "They are No 1 but we beat them 2-1 last time with good goals from Fred de Jong and Ivan Vicelich, who got the winner.

"Unfortunately, we will be without Fred this time and a couple of others are in doubt, including Aaron Silva, who injured his knee last week against Wollongong. Levent Osman will miss two games after being sent off."

That sending-off by Auckland referee Derek Rugg has raised some questions the club wants answered.

"At a meeting with Soccer Australia we were told that for important games - like the one against Wollongong, who are in third place - we would get a highly-ranked referee. Instead we got a referee not in the top group and one who was having his first game back after a break."

Asked whether he would play tonight in light of the growing injury list, Rufer said: "Probably. Someone has to play and I'm feeling okay."

While Rufer and his assistant coach brother Shane have played down the importance of making the play-offs, tonight's game is a real chance to pick up three points, which would get them within sight of the top six.