The Futsal Whites will play two matches against China in September, marking the first full international matches the Futsal Whites have played since they won the OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2022 last October. 

The games will take place in China on September 15th and 17th. Both matches kick off at 6:30pm, Beijing Time (10:30pm NZT).

Head Coach Marvin Eakins is looking forward to the opportunity to work with the squad, before competing in the OFC Futsal Nations Cup for a place at next year's FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. 

“I’m delighted to have these two matches against international opposition to further our preparations for the OFC Futsal Nations Cup in October. We’re all excited to be back representing New Zealand on the international stage and can’t wait to get preparations for World Cup qualification underway. 

Our goal as a group is to qualify for New Zealand’s first ever FIFA Futsal World Cup, and the chance to do that on home soil in front of a home crowd is an incredible opportunity. These matches against China are a big first step in that process and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Eakins’ has named an exciting squad for the two games against China, featuring players plying their trade at clubs both in New Zealand and all around the world.

“We’re lucky to have so many players getting valuable experience at clubs overseas, and it’s critical we have the opportunity to bring the players together and spend time as a group to be in the best shape possible leading up to October.”

Futsal Whites Squad to play against China in September

Rahan Ali | Moreland Futsal

Mike Antamanov | Auckland City FC

Stephen Ashby-Peckham | Auckland City FC

Jordan Ditfort | Bloomsbury Futsal

Hamish Grey | Unattached

Oban Hawkins | Southern United

Dylan Manickum | Auckland City FC

Ethan Martin | Waikato Rapids

Adam Paulsen | Auckland City FC

Thomas Picken | Auckland City FC

Casey Sharplin | Waikato Rapids

Patrick Steele | Waikato Rapids

Art Twigg | Auckland City FC

Logan Wisnewski | Bloomsbury Futsal

Both games will be livestreamed, with more details on how to access these livestreams to come soon.

Full replays and highlights of each match will also be available to watch on New Zealand Football’s YouTube channel after the match has concluded.

The OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2023 takes place from October 1-7 at Bruce Pulman Arena in Auckland, with the winner of the competition qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024 in Uzbekistan.

View the fixtures and more information about the OFC Futsal Nations Cup on oceaniafootball.com.

Make sure to follow NZF Futsal on social media for updates and coverage of the Futsal Whites.

Article added: Friday 08 September 2023