New Zealand to play first matches in two years
The New Zealand men’s team have scheduled two friendlies for October.
New Zealand Football have confirmed two games for the men’s national team, against Bahrain and Curacao.
The matches will take place on the 9th and 12th of October in Manama in Bahrain.
The matches will be the first for the NZ senior men’s side since two friendlies against Ireland and Lithuania in November 2019, almost two years ago.
Prior attempts to stage friendlies have all been shot down due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m delighted we are confirming these games” head coach Danny Hay told the New Zealand Football website.
The NZ team have previously played Bahrain, and won, when they qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2010. Caribbean side Curacao will be a new opponent for the Kiwis.
“These games will be a good test. Obviously Kiwi fans will be well aware of Bahrain but Curacao are a strong side with lots of players playing at a high level in Europe,” Hay said.
Because of the managed isolation and quarantine requirements upon entry back into Aotearoa New Zealand, Hay anticipates having to pick a predominantly Europe and US-based squad.
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