• Callum Kennett, (21), goalkeeper, New Zealand • Shea Stapleton, (26), goalkeeper, New Zealand • Steven van Dijk, (28), goalkeeper, Netherlands • Christian Gray, (29), defender, New Zealand • Riley Grover, (21), defender, New Zealand • Jacob Krayem, (23), defender, Australia • Ry McLeod, (21), defender, New Zealand • Lewis Partridge, (20), defender, New Zealand • Jaylen Rodwell, (23), defender, New Zealand / Niue • Josh Rogerson, (25), defender, New Zealand • Ollie Van Rijssel, (25), defender, New Zealand • Charlie Beale, (22), midfielder, New Zealand • Rovu Boyers, (22), midfielder, Solomon Islands • Deen Hasanovic, (23), midfielder, Australia • Jackson Manuel, (22), midfielder, New Zealand • Dauntae Mariner, (25), midfielder, Samoa • David Yoo, (25), midfielder, New Zealand / South Korea • Oliver Fay, (22), forward, New Zealand • Ryan Feutz, (24), forward, New Zealand • Oskar van Hattum, (23), forward, New Zealand • Haris Zeb, (24), forward, Pakistan
I was lucky enough to speak to Christian earlier this week about his signing. Think he completes the squad nicely and adds some good experience to what is a very young team.
Don't think any teams have dropped their jerseys from what I can tell, which has always struck me as a bit weird. From today however: The posters on their story fell like it might be a hint (intentional or not). I suspect this means:
Black home kit White away kit Red GK home kit Gold GK away kit Blue GK third kit
I think they were waiting for a big order of kit to arrive before they could announce any jerseys. From the new training kit in action over the weekend - that arrived not too long ago.
Theories on kit colours are not bad but there is a third kit as well…
Head coach: Rob Sherman. Key players: Oskar van Hattum, Christian Gray, David Yoo. Top prospects: Riley Grover, Lewis Partridge, Charlie Beale. Expectations: Challenge for the title. Predicted finish: 3rd.
A new horizon beckons for South Island football on Saturday, with the region’s first-ever professional football club kicking off against Auckland FC, an immediate chance to assert their status as contenders.
The South Islanders have assembled a fit young squad and are certainly within the ‘there or thereabouts’ category. A talented core continues from Christchurch United, supported by promising Kiwis from across the country and a sprinkling of Australian and Oceanian talent.
Dutch shot-stopper Steven van Dijk should get the nod to start, but the competition looks intense in defence.
Captain Christian Gray should be there on the regular, but others such as Josh Rogerson, Riley Grover and Lewis Partridge look set for battle for their places.
In midfield, highly regarded young players such as Charlie Beale and Jackson Manuel will complement the experience of Ollie van Rijssel and Samoan international Dauntae Mariner.
Talented attackers like David Yoo, Ryan Feutz, Pakistan international Haris Zeb and former Phoenix first-teamer Oskar van Hattum are all in a prime age range, so expect them to run opposition defences ragged.
Welsh coach Rob Sherman (65) has a fit young squad that can outrun any team in the league, but his experience and that of older players like Christian Gray will be critical in helping manage pressure at this level.
We were lucky enough to have Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger come out last week & wish us well ahead of our opening game 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/qCcvcJHxqn
All their games are "away". Away up in Auckland. be interesting to see how many travelling fans make the trips. I feel for them. Should be having games in CHCH
Proud to have attended the first 175 Consecutive "Home" Wellington Phoenix "A League" Games !!
I honestly think this should've been their home kit because this is such a nice jersey. Firstly black fits their badge better, secondly the concept of having the logos of every South Island team is awesome
Screenshot 2026-02-11 123217.png751.97 KB Am I mistaken for thinking $130 is insane? I mean they don't even have a defined fan base yet on account of not playing in the South Island yet. Like I REALLY want this jersey but I'm a uni student so I'm a bit hesitant to spend so much in one go.
Screenshot 2026-02-11 123217.png751.97 KB Am I mistaken for thinking $130 is insane? I mean they don't even have a defined fan base yet on account of not playing in the South Island yet. Like I REALLY want this jersey but I'm a uni student so I'm a bit hesitant to spend so much in one go.
Yeah I agree it is too much. It's $10 more than this season's Phoenix shirt for one thing! And this South Island United shirt is fully sublimated, whereas the women's Phoenix shirt has an embroided crest and is still cheaper.
My guess is that it is so expensive due to the scale of production and sales being significantly smaller than say the Phoenix.
But still a bit steep of a price when most of their fans won't ever get to see them wear it in real life.
Its a very cool jersey but that sounds too expensive. Having the logo of 76 South Island clubs imbeded is a great idea. I guess at least each of the 76 clubs will buy one to put up in the club rooms. I wish SIU well and hope they have started on a journey which will lead eventually to an A League team. They would need serious financial backing. Perhaps first a Ninja womens team would be achievable when the AL gets into expansion mode.
+1
