Big build-up for national soccer teams

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33773, 20 February 1975, Page 26

Big build-up for national soccer teams

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. The New Zealand soccer team might play as many as 20 games as a build-up for the 1978 World Cup tournament.

This was the target being aimed at before •the end of 1976, when the national team could be expected to begin World Cup elimination matches, the new chairman of the New Zealand Football Association (Mr R. A. Kelly) said yesterday.

, Mr Kelly was elected chairman in place of Mr J. Cowie at a meeting of the

N.Z.F.A. council last Saturday. Mr Cowie, who retained his place on the executive, had been chairman for the last eight years. Mr Kelly said yesterday that the council meeting had decided to give the national side, under its coach, Mr B. Truman, as much exposure as possible within the next two years. With this in mind, the council has confirmed inward tours this season by Indonesia and China, and a New Zealand tour of SouthEast Asia in November. “We intend two of the matches against Indonesia to be against the national side,” he said. “And, if possible, we are hopeful of two internationals against China as well.” Mr Kelly said that Indonesia would be in New Zealand in September or October for four matches, and China would tour New Zealand and Australia either in July or October. He also hinted at the possibility of the national under 21 side playing against Indonesia. ; “We intend to continue with our under 21 policy, land if possible we will try Ito get their internal tour to ■over lap with Indonesia,” Mr ■ Kelly added. I The under 21s would play 1 six matches, in Gisborne, Tauranga. Hamilton, Frankllin, Northland, and Auckdand.