Soccer: New signings for Kingz' soccer adventure

By Terry Maddaford

The Kingz have signed their first two imports just two days before the Australian Soccer League kicks off at North Harbour Stadium tomorrow night.

Chileans David Moya and Aaron Silva have given the Auckland-based, Wynton Rufer-coached side a timely boost, as has the late signature of All Whites goalkeeper Michael Utting.

The trio have signed one-year contracts, bringing the list of contracted players to 18. The club also has a number of non-professional players, including Mt Wellington's Leigh Kenyon on the books.

Announcing the latest signings, Kingz chairman Chris Turner said the club was allowed to have five "visa" players in their first season.

Players from the Oceania region were not classed as imports for the Ericsson Cup. The Chileans are the first non-Oceania players to be signed by the club.

Both Chileans, from the first team at top club Colo Colo - regarded as the Manchester United of Chile - have played for Chile at under-20 level, with Moya also playing for the national under-23 side. Moya is a defender and Silva a striker.

Utting joins his All Whites team-mate Jason Batty in pressing for a place in the starting line-up for tomorrow night's opening game against Melbourne club Carlton.

Turner dispelled suggestions that Utting, who will play for the Kingz under a loan agreement with his former South African club Supersport, is the club's most expensive signing.

"Obviously, these arrangements are confidential," said Turner, "but Utting is being treated no differently than any other player.

"They are all paid a basic wage with appearance and points bonuses."

The club now has five Australians, two Chileans and one Solomon Islander, Bartrim Suri, on the books.

"We are looking to take the number of professionals to 20," said Turner.

"This arrangement with Colo Colo will have ongoing benefits for both New Zealand and Chile.

"A New Zealand under-20 team has already been invited to play in an international tournament there in January."

Assistant coach Shane Rufer and midfielder Harry Ngata missed yesterday's announcement and last night's training as they represented the new franchise at the launch of the new Ericsson Cup season in Sydney.

Unable to have the playing strip on show at yesterday's announcement - a cardboard cutout showing the basically black outfit, with silver-grey stripes was produced - Turner is confident the real thing will arrive today.

While the club is certain to press for mainly Friday night games, Turner said the third-round home match scheduled for October 15 against defending champions South Melbourne is likely to be switched to either Saturday night or Sunday afternoon to avoid a clash with the rugby league test at Ericsson Stadium and the semifinals of rugby's NPC.

Vodaphone were announced as the team's naming sponsors.