Phoenix Could Survive AFC Kiwi Cull
SAM BUCKLEAnd so ensues a contest between French Ivorian and British Barbadian for the status of chief Phoenix fan idol. Eugene Dadi’s spectacular, dreadlocked debut brace launched his challenge to the hitherto king, Paul Ifill. Somehow, it seems unlikely Dadi can sustain his frantic early pace, but let’s hope the two natural entertainers can continue to thrill and perform.
At the same time Dadi and Ifill were tormenting Brisbane and entertaining the Westpac Stadium faithful with their exotic qualities, the local Phoenix contingent stood at a just three (Lochhead, Brown and Bertos). I reckon that’s probably as few Kiwis as have ever featured for the Phoenix since the inception of the franchise. With the odd exception, I don’t think the crowd noticed, let alone cared. They were revelling in the show, the 36 year old bicycle and the win. And that’s why I’m increasingly convinced the Phoenix could survive the worst the Asian Football Confederation can burden it with.
If Football Federation Australia (FFA) succumbed to the dastardly demands of the AFC and its President Mohammed Bin Hammam, three is – optimistically - as many Kiwis as we’d ever see in the alluring black and yellow at any one time. The maximum number of non-Australians in the squad would be five. So, throw in an Ifill and a Dadi and the Kiwi contingent would be brutally squeezed.
Bin Hammam’s regime would unquestionably be a major blow for New Zealand football and New Zealand footballers. It would also cause some serious, short-term recruitment headaches for Herbert (half the squad would have to be replaced). Yet, I’m convinced it wouldn’t be a terminal strike for the Phoenix – because, contrary to some theory, support for the Phoenix is not dependent on its Kiwi roster complement. Sure, it would be a real shame. Sure, we’d be resentful. Sure, it would be massively disruptive. But the die-hards return to the Ring of Fire to back their football team, the one representing their sport in their city, whatever its composition. And the casuals come to be entertained. The distinction between Kiwi and other is not a game-breaker.
And neither do I accept a Kiwi squeeze would defeat the purpose of the Phoenix in the A-League, which has been suggested in the media – and seems, in my observation, to be a proposition broadly accepted without due scrutiny. That it has a strong Kiwi flavour and provides pathways for Kiwis is a tremendous bonus, but a bonus nevertheless. The purpose of the Phoenix is to be a successful football franchise, on and off the field. That means win games and retain fans.
And that success could still be chased and captured by a host of Aussies, a couple of Kiwis, Ifill and Dadi.
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Ifill and Dadi won't be around forever however. What about once the characters are gone and the squad resembles Adelaide United in yellow and black? Will anyone watch that?
Lets face it, any additional regulation of the fledging Phoenix side would be bureaucracy gone mad.
Everybody wants them, the A league, Australian Football, NZ football, what possible harm are they doing?
The alternative is death by a 1,000 cuts to NZ football.
I love what the Phoenix are doing for Australian football, and they are gradually becoming a pretty competitive side as well.
If football knows whats good for it, leave well alone
This is an interesting article. Kiwi pride is, and should continue, to be very strong and proud of our football opportunities. In my mind, having three Kiwi lads playing Phoenix football is better than none in the top football available in the country. It is much better to have an open door, than no door at all. This also opens potential for Kiwi lads to make it in the rest of the league. Just look at Shane Smeltz, Glen Moss and Jeremy Brockie. Kiwis can earn their right in the A-League as has already been proven by the hard work already shown by all of our Kiwi boys. We should be proud of what we have and continue to support the best we can, regardless of the political barriers. That is what makes us stronger. The All Blacks represent our Kiwi pride and strength in rugby. The Phoenix can show the same in the A-League, even if it isn't pure New Zealand.
The one thing I noticed about the game as well was a lack of Kiwi's in the Phoenix team as well.
Probably not a bad thing that this occured, if the Kiwi players spreaded their wings club-wise, it will give them a more 'international' flavour instead of relying on the Phoenix/A-League to build them up.
I still think the training up of NZ national team players (in large numbers) via the Phoenix s what upset the AFC at large, but this will be played out in time.
Cheers Sam.
Oh, I can't wait for the "phoenix will help NZ football even less" comments.
If the number of non-aussies was only 5 then it's an Aussie team with probably one kiwi if that!
Phoenix doesn't have enougth fans to survive a drop in popularity
Tim, I'm chuffed to learn that AFC policy is influenced by this blog. Now to get them to absorb Oceania ...
The whole point of the Phoenix is to foster NZ players and provide a pathway for young players in NZ. We just have to join Asia, then everything else is academic. Having a team of 90% foreigners defeats the whole purpose of the exercise.
My prediction - Fifa will make it harder for Oceania teams to qualify for the World Cup. With our gravytrain avenue gone, there is no incentive to stay in Oceania and we'll apply to join Asia ala Aussie. The whole thing will become a moot point.
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stupid article. Now the AFC is going to use this to kick us out. Thanks a lot.