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South Island United FC (OFC Pro League)

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Posted January 15, 2026 01:31 · last edited January 15, 2026 01:40

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.

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Unknown editor edited January 15, 2026 01:40
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.