KEY POINTS:
Waitakere United manager Chris Milicich is warning his players against complacency when they open the defence of their O-League soccer title tomorrow against AS Manu Ura after the Tahiti champions were beaten 6-0 by Auckland City on Saturday.
The group A match will be played at Fred Taylor Park in Auckland.
"This is the start of a long season but we must sprint out of the blocks and not be in any way over-confident," Milicich said today.
"AS Manu Ura may have conceded six goals against Auckland but did so after having their goalkeeper sent off very early in the match.
"I have no doubt they will be fired up for this one given failure means they go home knowing they are effectively out of the tournament."
Milicich has a full squad to pick from as there are no injury concerns among the players.
Included in the squad for the season opener are new signings Solomon Islands striker Benjamin Totori (Manawatu), Jonathan Perry, Neil Sykes, Jason Hayne, Richard Gillespie (all Auckland City), Neil Emblen, Darren Bazeley (NZ Knights), Chris Bale (Waitakere City) and Shane Pascoe while former United midfielder Jake Butler and defender Matt Cuneen are also named in the 18.
In the group B match tomorrow, Fiji champions, Ba, are at home to Tafea FC, from Vanuatu.
Tafea drew 1-1 with Kossa FC of the Solomon Islands in their opening match on Saturday.
- NZPA
