Kiwis to play in Fiji

Press, 6 July 1983, Page 24

Kiwis to play in Fiji

PA Auckland New Zealand will have two warm-up soccer matches in Fiji next month as the major part of its build-up for the Olympic soccer qualifying matches later in the year. The New Zealand Football Association has accepted a recommendation by the coach. Allan Jones, that international play, at any level, is the best means of preparing for such important games. “We could have arranged games here, but I felt it was more important to look elsewhere,” said Mr Jones. “As for Fiji not being of the standard we might want, I do not think we will ever see New Zealand beat a Fijian side by 13 goals again. “I know they have worked very hard recently and will give us what we want.” By leaving on August 15 and returning on August 19 (and playing on August 1618), the team will not disrupt the Rothmans League. Mr Jones will take 15 of the 22-man Olympic squad to Fiji. The association wants to improve the standard of refereeing and is to hold a referees’ conference in Auckland in December. The chairman of the association, Charlie Dempsey, said invitations would go to top English referees to attend the academy, which would be open to all Oceania countries.