Soccer: Rufer waits as Kingz grow up

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Football Kingz player-coach Wynton Rufer is quickly learning the real meaning of patience.

Preparing for tonight's ninth round clash with Gippsland Falcons at North Harbour Stadium, Rufer says the Australian players are smart and well-experienced in the ways of professional football.

"Really, we have only Fred de Jong who can be counted in that class," said Rufer. "He doesn't train as much as the others, he is at least 10 years older than most of them but week after week he is voted the player's player of the day.

"Fred is another class. His 10 years playing overseas shows out. But I have to be patient knowing that it will probably be another two years before the rest of the players can do what he does and show the benefits of playing at that level."

While Rufer will be on the substitute's bench tonight, he is hoping he does not have to play.

"Any team wants to get a run going but we haven't shown our best at home so far," said Rufer. "Gippsland are a team of fighters and we definitely aren't taking them lightly."

With Michael Utting out for a further few weeks, Jason Batty will be in goal tonight. Levent Osman is also out (for a one-match suspension) while Aaran Lines' Kingz career has come to an abrupt halt.

Fouled in training last week, he re-injured his knee in last week's win over Adelaide and will have a cartilage operation on Monday followed by four weeks' rest.

Rufer will not name his team until just before kickoff but it seems de Jong will be joined up front by Stu Riddle, who has scored once in his first two outings.

Dino Menillo and Robbie Middleby, two players Rufer feels are not playing at the top of their game, will probably be joined in the midfield by Harry Ngata and Chris Jackson while Ivan Vicelich, Marcus Stergiopoulos, Che Bunce - provided he passes the fitness test - and Jonathan Perry will start at the back.