Can see Sims nailing down that no 3 GK spot for the World Cup. He did make one bad mistake at the 2023 U20 WC from memory, but mostly he seems immune from the howlers that the likes of Sail and Tzanev make. The latter two also both currently bench keepers at their clubs.
Sims also being younger has more upside. Henry Gray may yet be his biggest challenger for a WC spot.
The issue for Sims is that 33 yr old Mergim Krasniqi, the usual GAIS first choice GK is contracted until the end of the 2027 season. Sims himself contracted to the end of 2028.
It might be that of all the GK options for that 3rd spot behind Paulsen & Crocs, it's the guy with match sharpness who is playing for his club that is picked for the WC.
Bazeley on Sims selection.
https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/159518?newsfeedId=2064762
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/11/04/new-cap-keeper-kees-sims-named-in-all-whites-squad-for-november-matches/
“I want to congratulate Kees on his call-up for the first time after a breakthrough season in Sweden.
“I have known him for a long time and followed his development, so it is great to reward his effort and bring him into the squad.”
Sims also being younger has more upside. Henry Gray may yet be his biggest challenger for a WC spot.
The issue for Sims is that 33 yr old Mergim Krasniqi, the usual GAIS first choice GK is contracted until the end of the 2027 season. Sims himself contracted to the end of 2028.
It might be that of all the GK options for that 3rd spot behind Paulsen & Crocs, it's the guy with match sharpness who is playing for his club that is picked for the WC.
Bazeley on Sims selection.
https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/159518?newsfeedId=2064762
https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2025/11/04/new-cap-keeper-kees-sims-named-in-all-whites-squad-for-november-matches/
“I want to congratulate Kees on his call-up for the first time after a breakthrough season in Sweden.
“I have known him for a long time and followed his development, so it is great to reward his effort and bring him into the squad.”