However, NZF can apply for an exemption if they have spent 5 years in NZ under the age of 18 (which they didn't for Deklan Wynne back on 2015). This is how Aussie has been able to play the likes of Irankunda, Deng etc.
However, NZF can apply for an exemption if they have spent 5 years in NZ under the age of 18 (which they didn't for Deklan Wynne back on 2015). This is how Aussie has been able to play the likes of Irankunda, Deng etc.
Well, if Aussie can do it - so can we? I've noticed Straya seem to get around this rule a lot. Maybe we need to ask them for pointers.
However, NZF can apply for an exemption if they have spent 5 years in NZ under the age of 18 (which they didn't for Deklan Wynne back on 2015). This is how Aussie has been able to play the likes of Irankunda, Deng etc.
Well, if Aussie can do it - so can we? I've noticed Straya seem to get around this rule a lot. Maybe we need to ask them for pointers.
Yep, just need to have someone at NZF file the paperwork properly.
Australia is the biggest user of exemptions iirc. No surprise when you look at the talent coming out of the African diaspora that have settled there as refugees.
Going off broadcast coverage of us v Jets last week, apparently Ben Gibson has a Kiwi parent/parents.
Don't know how strong the lure of the All White's set up would be for some of these guys though.
He has Lachlan Bayliss as a team mate for an insight into the Bazeley/NZ coaching environment. As we found with Stensness it can often just be hand on heart, how ‘Kiwi’ do you feel
Lots of people who consider themselves more Australian than Kiwi have had decent international careers for NZ, Smeltz being the prime example, the question isn't how Kiwi they feel, the question is whether Australia will pick them or not. If they think it isn't realistic that they'll play often or at all for the Socceroos then they'll play for us.
Unfortunately for Gibson we don't have any friendlies until at least June so no chance to offer him a taste of the All Whites environment without tying himself permanently to NZ anytime soon.
Yeah that will mostly be true, but not always. Stensness said he'd listen to the NZ anthem at the Tokyo Olympics, and basically feel nothing. Humming Advance Australia Fair. That's only natural for some who have lived all their life in Oztralyia.
On the counter I think it was Thomas Broich, who said that hand on heart he was German, and in truth he didn't think he should play for the Soccerroos even if he became eligible.
Yeah that will mostly be true, but not always. Stensness said he'd listen to the NZ anthem at the Tokyo Olympics, and basically feel nothing. Humming Advance Australia Fair. That's only natural for some who have lived all their life in Oztralyia.
On the counter I think it was Thomas Broich, who said that hand on heart he was German, and in truth he didn't think he should play for the Soccerroos even if he became eligible.
They are two very different examples mind. Broich was a true blue German who spent a lot of his playing career in Germany, while the other used us for personal gain like a job. It's better to look at people like Tommy Smith or Winston Reid.
Tommy clearly swapped to NZ to play at the WC but I know from speaking to him a number of times he's proud to play for NZ.
In Winnie's case, he'd grown up in Denmark and was more then good enough to have been a regular for them (playing U19, 20 & 21s before swapping). He would have played for them in the Euros and WCs but chose us instead. Easily NZ football's greatest player poach.
Supporter of the world's best football teams: Waikato..., Kingz FC, NZ Knights, The Nix, The Argyle & of course the All Whites
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Sounds like they are mostly helping out minnows like Samoa and the Cooks. But yeah one of them works at Christchurch United.
NZF get alot of stick, but I'd be almost certain they know of these guys. Lets not forget NZF just recently posted an advert inviting any overseas footballers who may be eligible to play for NZ, to contact them.
It's probably common knowledge amongst all the OFC nations, that they offer this scouting service. I wonder if they pop on here from time to time for a tip. Wasn't it Young Heart who discovered Oscar Faulds had Kiwi heritage?
Their real value is likely at the age group level. Like the Samoa girls U17s who qualified for U17 WC, had a number of US based players. Also read a random story that there are some Tongan heritage footballers in Morocco! With NZ there is around 800,000 people with Kiwi heritage in Australia alone. So yes expect an ever growing number of national age group kids to be Aussie based.
21 yr old Ben Gibson at the Jets the latest to be identified as likely AWs eligible.
Know of anyone eligible to play for New Zealand (i.e. current or eligible NZ passport holder) based overseas that NZ Football may have missed? NZ Football are on the look out for any players eligible for our senior men's and women's and age group sides: https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/01/29/national-body-on-global-hunt-for-talented-players-eligible-to-wear-the-fern/ “For players based in New Zealand, we have systems and processes in place dedicated to discovering and monitoring top talent. For players overseas, our high-performance department tracks hundreds of players. However, we may not be aware of everyone who could potentially wear the fern. If you are playing at a high level and believe you are eligible for Aotearoa New Zealand, or if you know someone in this situation who is not currently being monitored by New Zealand Football, please click on the relevant link to inform us of your eligibility for international selection.”
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Heard the end of a story on RNZ Checkpoint this afternoon about a player eligible for Argentina, Italy & NZ who NZ hasn't contacted yet, or something like that. Anybody know who they were talking about? Can't see anything on their website
He's 13. Bit early to expect any contact from NZF. In a few years he can send them some videos when the national U17 trials roll around.
Don't think it's the same kid, but is a young Kiwi in the academy system at another Argentinian Primera División club. Think this one is in Cordoba (central Argentina) not BA.
No real rush, even if he's capped at an age group level for Argentina or Italy he can still change move to us if he wants. Besides I doubt he's gonna be called up for them any time soon.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
He is in the youth system at Vélez Sarsfield, one of 30 clubs in the Argentinian Primera Division. Admittedly Sarsfield are one of the bigger clubs in Argentina (have won 13 titles & Copa Libertadores), but lets say there are 20 other 13 yr olds at each club, so he's one of 600 odd kids in his age range in the youth system amongst Primera Division clubs.
Argentina could be very different to Peru, but having some family in Peru I know it's usually the kids with wealthier parents who are in youth systems at the top level clubs. You mostly have to pay to enter, and that's beyond what poorer familes can afford.
I note with this youngster his dad has stayed in NZ as a teacher, earning $NZD which no doubt he's sending to his wife and son in Buenos Aires. Not saying the kid ain't talented, but he shouldn't get any fast tracked special treatment from NZF.
I'm sure they will look at him, like they look at all talented kids when he comes to age 15-16, and the National U16/17s squad for his year are picked.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Elemenop
What's happened to the Korean kid who's dad played for Auckland? I assume he can't have dual citizenship?
Given the below article, I'm confident NZF would be aware of Lee Ho Jae as he has a bit of a profile, and NZF are actively searching for potentially eligible players.
He was injured and missed the latter part of the K League season in 2024.
Him and Jack Iredale are the two guys playing good level football that would almost certainly come into the AWs straight away if eligible. 9 goals for Pohang Steelers 2024 K League in 27 games (only 9 starts) is impressive. Big lad at 192 cm, he'd automatically be Wood's backup.
But yeah the issue of Sth Korea only allowing 1 passport, likely scuppers the chances of getting Lee Ho Jae into AWs setup.
Any Koreans on here? Wonder if there are any Europeans clubs interested in him?
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
theprof
Khalil Media
13 or not, cap-tie him pronto
No real rush, even if he's capped at an age group level for Argentina or Italy he can still change move to us if he wants. Besides I doubt he's gonna be called up for them any time soon.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
The keeper battle has got a lot more interesting with Simms starting for gais, if he keeps that up in my view makes him AW’s #1 with crocs and nik taking the other two spots…… but then if Burton get relegated it drops crocs out and brings AP back in……. Exciting times Obviously like many others I think base will stick with his tried and true squad but World Cup (assuming we make it) gonna be some tough decisions
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
YellowAndBlack
The keeper battle has got a lot more interesting with Simms starting for gais, if he keeps that up in my view makes him AW’s #1 with crocs and nik taking the other two spots…… but then if Burton get relegated it drops crocs out and brings AP back in……. Exciting times Obviously like many others I think base will stick with his tried and true squad but World Cup (assuming we make it) gonna be some tough decisions
Agree with this. I think Tzanev is the most talented keeper, by some distance, but does the AW coach see it that way? If Sims makes it as #1 at GAIS, he'd need to be in the WC discussion. None of us watch Swedish football, but I imagine it's similar-ish to ALM. The thing with Paulsen, he's so weak in a physical challenge. Every time he gets a slight knock, it's like a scene from MASH with all the medics rushing on. I half expect Hot Lips Houlihan to give him the kiss of life....
The keeper battle has got a lot more interesting with Simms starting for gais, if he keeps that up in my view makes him AW’s #1 with crocs and nik taking the other two spots…… but then if Burton get relegated it drops crocs out and brings AP back in……. Exciting times Obviously like many others I think base will stick with his tried and true squad but World Cup (assuming we make it) gonna be some tough decisions
Agree with this. I think Tzanev is the most talented keeper, by some distance, but does the AW coach see it that way? If Simms makes it as #1 at GAIS, he'd need to be in the WC discussion. None of us watch Swedish football, but I imagine it's similar-ish to ALM. The thing with Paulsen, he's so weak in a physical challenge. Every time he gets a slight knock, it's like a scene from MASH with all the medics rushing on. I half expect Hot Lips Houlihan to give him the kiss of life....
On football league rankings the ALM is rated as the 52nd best league in the world and the Swiss is rated as the 21st so a definite step up….. but interestingly enough is that the rankings must of been recently updated as the ALM is now one spot above English league 1 where as a few weeks ago Leauge 1 was rated a couple spots ahead of ALM
The All Whites are about to embark on their final push to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. As Darren Bazeley ponders his squad for next month’s OFC qualifiers, who are his most important players for these matches, and then on to the World Cup? Jason Pine updates the All Whites Power Rankings (previous position in brackets).
50. (New entry) Corban Piper (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
'He commands respect': The rise and rise of All Whites defender Cacace
20 Oct 07:00 AM
41. (32) Jesse Randall (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
40. (38) Oskar van Hattum (Sligo Rovers, Ireland).
39. (41) Andre De Jong (Stellenbosch FC, South Africa).
38. (40) Callan Elliot (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
37. (New entry) Liam Gillion (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
36. (48) George Stanger (Ayr United, Scotland).
35. (47) Kees Sims (GAIS, Sweden).
34. (20) Marco Rojas (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
33. (26) Cam Howieson (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
32. (24) Bill Tuiloma (Charlotte FC, US).
31. (36) Niko Kirwan (Padova, Italy).
Niko Kirwan. Photo / Getty Images
30. (33) James McGarry (Athens Kallithea, Greece, on loan from Aberdeen, Scotland).
Part of a logjam to provide left fullback back-up for Libby Cacace, his recent loan move to the Greek Super League has seen him gain good minutes in a highly regarded competition.
29. (25) Logan Rogerson (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
Part of the last three national squads, used mainly as an impact player. Scored an eye-catching goal against Malaysia in October to keep his name in the conversation around attacking roles in the national side.
28. (35) Nik Tzanev (Northampton Town, England).
The Northampton number one is in a battle with Oli Sail for the third goalkeeping spot and doing all he can to push his case with solid performances in English football’s third tier.
27. (29) Sam Sutton (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)
Earned a long-awaited All Whites debut in June’s Nations Cup and has locked down the left-back spot at club level. An overseas move at the end of this A-League season would help further his case.
26. (28) Max Mata (Auckland FC, on loan from Shrewsbury Town, England).
Scored three goals at the 2024 OFC Nations Cup but hasn’t featured in the white shirt since. Has recently earned a starting spot for Auckland FC and is beginning to score the goals that’ll see him strongly considered for a recall.
25. (21) Dalton Wilkins (Sonderjyske, Denmark).
Has appeared only sporadically for the All Whites and not since October 2023, but still appeals as a strong candidate in a New Zealand squad with his ability to play on both sides of the back four, or further forward.
Started both of the last two World Cup qualifiers at right-back in the absence of Tim Payne and is putting together another excellent A-League season as a regular starter for the double defending champions.
23. (23) Oli Sail (Perth Glory, Australia).
The undisputed number one at the back end of the last World Cup campaign and into mid-2023, but an inexplicable drop in form since his move from Wellington to Perth has him well behind our top two goalkeepers. Indisputable quality, but low on confidence and now battling with the likes of Tzanev and Sims to hold his position in the squad.
22. (19) Ben Waine (Mansfield Town, England, on loan from Plymouth Argyle, England).
Moved to England two years ago to take the next step in his football journey, but has struggled to nail down regular game time in the United Kingdom, having not played 90 minutes since leaving Wellington. Has scored seven goals in his last nine games for New Zealand though, and is the most obvious like-for-like back-up to Chris Wood.
Ben Waine in action against Egypt. Photosport
21. (22) Tommy Smith (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
Debuted for New Zealand in 2010 and in the decade-and-a-half since has provided a dependably cool head (and feet) in All Whites squads. No longer a guaranteed starter for his country, but has taken on an increasingly important leadership role with Auckland FC and provides a crucial sounding board inside the playing groups he’s part of.
20. (27) Ryan Thomas (PEC Zwolle, the Netherlands).
The sight of one of New Zealand’s best ever talents getting consistent recent game time is cause for cautious optimism after an utterly horrendous run of injuries. Would bring an undoubted touch of class back to the national side for whom he’s played just 19 times since his debut in 2014 and not at all since 2019.
19. (18) Finn Surman (Portland Timbers, US).
A magnificent 2023/24 A-League season saw the towering central defender earn a move to Portland, where he bided his time before debuting impressively late last season. About to embark on the new MLS campaign, during which regular minutes will continue to aid his development. Still just 21, and a big part of the All Whites’ future.
18. (37) Francis de Vries (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
The biggest mover on the list, due to a superb A-League season. Has contributed significantly to his side’s watertight defence, while providing outstanding delivery from wide areas into the opposition penalty area. Earned a recall to the national side in the last window after more than two years away and scored in the rout of Samoa. In a crowded field to back up Cacace, he currently has his nose in front.
17. (16) Kosta Barbarouses (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
Has forced his way back into the All Whites conversation by virtue of his output in the last 18 months, scoring 20 goals in his last 37 A-League games and recently becoming the first Kiwi to bring up a century of goals in the competition’s 20-year history. About to celebrate his 35th birthday, but still has more than enough gas in the tank to trouble opposition defences.
16. (14) Alex Rufer (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
His recent absence from the Phoenix was the best demonstration of his value, with Wellington missing his composure in possession, doggedness without it and “do-as-I-do” leadership. A regular in New Zealand squads in the last year and likely to be so in the new few.
15. (13) Callum McCowatt (Silkeborg IF, Denmark).
After a short absence, returned to the national side for the most recent World Cup qualifiers, scoring against both Vanuatu and Samoa to provide a reminder of his class. A regular for his side in the Danish top flight and a constant in the national set-up in the last five years.
14. (8) Ben Old (St. Etienne, France).
An unfortunate knee injury has seen one of New Zealand’s most talented young players sidelined since October, but his rehab is on track with the France-based midfielder now back on the grass. He may not quite recover in time for March’s World Cup qualifiers, but is set to play a huge role for his country over the next decade.
13. (17) Tyler Bindon (Reading FC, England, on loan from Nottingham Forest, England).
The drums have been beating for some time about the UK-based centre-back, with his consistency and ability earning him a move to the Premier League last month. Impresses every observer with his poise, thirst for knowledge and leadership and is knocking on the door of a regular starting spot in Darren Bazeley’s best 11. A future New Zealand captain who could potentially play in the next four World Cups.
Tyler Bindon in action against Malaysia. Photo / Photosport
12. (15) Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC, New Zealand, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, England).
Bazeley has remained loyal to Max Crocombe between the sticks in the last 15 months, but at some point, the on-loan Auckland FC stopper will become an irresistible proposition. Has kept a league-high nine clean sheets this A-League season, contributing considerably to the Black Knights’ table-topping feats. Still only 22, he has all the attributes needed to become our best ever goalkeeper.
11. (12) Elijah Just (SKN St Polten, Austria, on loan from Horsens, Denmark).
No-one has played more often for New Zealand since 2019 than the temporarily Austrian-based attacker. His combination with Cacace down New Zealand’s left side is bearing constant fruit and he’s also started to add goalscoring to his CV, finding the net in each of the last four games for his country.
10. (9) Max Crocombe (Burton Albion, England).
As mentioned above, Crocombe is still the number one, number one for now, but faces an almighty challenge to retain top billing in the face of Paulsen’s inexorable rise. Crocombe, though, continues to impress for club and country and won’t give up the gloves without a fight. Incumbency is important to Bazeley, and Crocombe has consistently repaid the loyalty shown in him.
9. (10) Michael Boxall (Minnesota United, US).
Bindon and Surman are breathing down his neck for the right-sided centre-back spot, but the now 36-year-old continues to belie his advancing years to produce excellent performances for club and country. Still in tip-top physical shape, deceptively quick and with the experience to be able to read the game astutely. Throw in leadership qualities and the man they call Boxy will unquestionably be part of the plans for 2026.
8. (5) Tim Payne (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand).
When Bazeley writes down his first-choice 11, Payne is at right-back. In fact, the gap back to the next best (currently Roux) is the reason he’s so high on this list. Recently signed a three-year contract extension at the Phoenix and gives his coaches and team-mates the comfort of knowing they’ll get nothing less than 100% every time he steps across the white line.
7. (7) Sarpreet Singh (Uniao de Leiria, Portugal).
In most positions, there are several players who can do similar things, but no other current Kiwi can do what Singh does. His ability to unlock opposition defences with passes others wouldn’t even conceive, let alone attempt, makes him an integral part of the All Whites. Has bounced around at European club level, but has seemingly found a happy home in Portugal, which can only be good for the national side, too.
6. (6) Joe Bell (Viking, Norway).
If New Zealand play a back-four (which they usually do), Bell’s position at the base of the midfield is one of the most important on the park. His ability to break up would-be attacks, but then – as importantly – set his side in forward motion with a range of short and long passes make him integral to the All Whites. If he’s fit, he plays; it’s really as simple as that.
5. (4) Matt Garbett (NAC Breda, the Netherlands).
One of New Zealand’s best players is currently suffering from a lack of minutes. Reports out of the Netherlands have him on the outer with his club coach, who has apparently told him he can look for a new home. Finding one at a similar level is important for one of the most versatile players at Bazeley’s disposal. Still a lock in the starting 11 next month, regardless.
4. (11) Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC, New Zealand).
A move home has paid huge dividends for a player who has long been considered one with a very high potential ceiling. After time in Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, Denmark, and most recently Ireland, he’s rejuvenated his career in Auckland, forming the foundation of his side’s watertight back four as well as being an attacking threat on set pieces. His ability to rake long, accurate, diagonal passes is simply another string to his ever-growing and impressive bow.
Auckland FC's Nando Pijnaker celebrates his goal against the Wellington Phoenix. Photo / Photosport
3. (2) Marko Stamenic (Olympiacos, Greece, on loan from Nottingham Forest, England).
Of all New Zealand’s players under the age of 23, Stamenic has the most potential. Having learned his trade at Wellington’s Ole Academy (the same footballing finishing school as Thomas, Garbett, Just, Pijnaker and McCowatt, among others), he’s continued his growth in Europe. While recent minutes haven’t been as plentiful as he’d have hoped, his rare ability to find space in crowded areas, hold the ball under pressure, play in a 360-degree radius and link all other members of his side are as invaluable as they are impressive.
2. (3) Libby Cacace (Empoli FC, Italy).
Earning a regular starting spot in a side playing in one of the top two leagues in the world is something most young Kiwis can only dream of, but in his fourth season in Serie A, Cacace has done just that. In recent times, he’s been used in a more advanced role at Empoli, which further strengthens his already long list of footballing qualities. One of only two absolutely automatic selections in the All Whites’ top side and a player who still has plenty of improvement to come. The mind boggles at what he might achieve.
1. (1) Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest, England).
There are very few adjectives left to describe the current form of New Zealand’s captain, so it’s perhaps best just to use numbers. The scorer of 18 Premier League goals this season, propelling Forest to the giddy heights of the top three in the Premier League, while taking his all-time tally to 87, the same number as Dennis Bergkamp, and more than Fernando Torres. When you add Wood’s unquestionable loyalty to New Zealand and his record 41 All Whites goals (including eight in the last four games), his value is beyond description. One day there’ll be someone else at the top of this list, but it won’t be for a while.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
A few more of you should go pay for the subscription so we can keep Piney in work and getting good articles like this :) Piney if you are reading this, love your work!
It might be more a case that he thinks Pjanker is more likely to start of the left side of CB than Bindon on the right ahead of Boxall etc.
And whilst Bindon clearly has a high ceiling, currently Pjanker is playing in a higher level comp and performing very well in the leagues tightest defense, despite having had 3 different CB's alongside him this season.
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
I think we to start getting used to realising that league one is a higher standard and a tougher one then the A league and players like Nando would play there if they were asked. 46 games also verses 26.
Mata and Waine would be an example.
It’s also a possible league for Alex to be loaned to next season.
