Kiwi futsal players takes on Brazilians

Timaru will host New Zealand's best futsal players when New Zealand take on a Brazilian Residents side at the SBS Events Centre.

With Australia requesting more time to prepare for the test series against New Zealand next month, the Kiwis have gone in search of more games as they prepare for the Vikings World Championships and the AMF World Futsal Cup.

The strong Brazilian Residents side will test the Kiwis with several former Brazilian professional futsal players in their ranks.

New Zealand coach Gui Costa is looking forward to the clash because it will help the side in its preparations.

Costa said his fellow Brazilians were some of the best futsal players in the world.

"I expect this game to take the New Zealand style and understanding of the game to a level never seen before here," he said.

The New Zealand side will then head back to Christchurch for a two-day training camp.

The team includes one former Timaru player, Peter Rae.

The game will be played on June 11. Entry to the event is free.

The New Zealand women's team will take on a South Island All Stars side as the curtainraiser.

- © Fairfax NZ News