Manickum gets futsal nod

Words: AFF Media

Tuesday 3 December 2019

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Dylan Manickum has been named in the Auckland Football Federation futsal squad that will take part in the upcoming OFC Futsal Champions League.

Manickum featured for the Futsal Whites in their agonising finals defeat to the Solomon Islands in the OFC Futsal Championship in New Caledonia but was on the score sheet as Auckland City FC downed Wellington Phoenix in the ISPS Handa Premiership.

The team will square up against AS Pirae (Tahiti), Suva FC (Fiji), AS PTT Noumea (New Caledonia), Kooline FC (Solomon Islands) and D’York Street (Vanuatu) in a round robin Competition with the top two teams progressing to the final.

AFF Head Coach Marvin Eakins says he’s excited for the opportunity to play in the OFC Champions League and is hoping his side can stamp their mark on the international stage.

“We are proud to be the first NZ team to take part in this event” Eakins said.

“We hope to play and perform in a way where the rest of the country can get behind us, even though we have Auckland in our name.”

“Every time we go on the court we are always looking to perform well and with the quality of players we have, it will certainly give us a good chance to win this event.”

“It will also provide players an opportunity to be tested against international opposition in a high pressure environment which we do not normally get access to.”

A few notable key players were named in the squad, including current Futsal Whites Elias Billeh, Eakins, Stephen Ashby, Kareem Osman, Manickum and Josh Margetts.

Goalkeeper Mike Antamanov was also named in the squad alongside team-mates Sean McIntee, Vincent Pineau, Myron Manickum and Thomas Picken.

Youngsters Hamish Grey, Adam Paulsen and Jimmy Banks were also named.

Goalkeeper Vaughan Somerville will join the team as an Assistant Coach.

The OFC Champions League will run from December 5-8 at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium.

Ends

AFF OFC Champions League Squad
Mike Antamanov (GK)
Elias Billeh (GK)
Marvin Eakins
Hamish Grey
Adam Paulsen
Stephen Ashby
Kareem Osman
Jimmy Banks
Dylan Manickum
Myron Manickum
Sean McIntee
Vincent Pineau
Josh Margetts
Thomas Picken

Staff:
Head Coach: Marvin Eakins
Assistant Coach/GK Coach: Vaughan Somerville
Team Manager: David Manickum
Assistant Manager: Robin Broadhurst
Physio: Sean Smit
Media Manager: Mark Casson

OFC Futsal Champions League Fixtures:

Thursday December 5, 2019
AFF v AS PTT Noumea (New Caledonia)
Kick-off: 8pm
Barfoot and Thompson Stadium

Friday December 6, 2019
AFF v D’York Street (Vanuatu)
Kick-off: 12pm
Barfoot and Thompson Stadium

Friday December 6, 2019
AFF v Kooline FC (Solomon Islands)
Kick-off: 8pm
Barfoot and Thompson Stadium

Saturday December 7, 2019
AFF v Suva FC (Fiji)
Kick-off: 12pm
Barfoot and Thomspon Stadium

Saturday December 7, 2019
AFF v AS Pirae (Tahiti)
Kick-off: 8pm
Barfoot and Thompson Stadium

Sunday December 8, 2019
Match Schedule to be confirmed