Raniga keen to rebuild with Navy Blues

Words: ACFC Media

Monday 5 December 2016

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Harshae Raniga has lost just over a year to a horrible injury suffered on All Whites duty but he's keen to make up for lost time with Auckland City FC.

The 22-year-old made his international debut as a second half substitute in New Zealand's 1-1 draw with Myanmar in September last year but was left distraught after going off injured within minutes.

Raniga admits it was a hammerblow at the time but is keen to look for the positives as he tries to rebuild his career at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

"Its been a long 12 months. The first three months were the hardest and definitely the biggest struggle mentally and physically.

"But after that initial period things started to pick up.

"I had a second surgery six months down the track and after that the rehabilitation started to gather pace.

"Its 13 months since the surgery and its great to be back training.
"The fitness levels are a bit iffy at the moment but they're progressing," he said.

Raniga has taken his medicine, then again he has always been made of stern stuff.

And he holds no regrets about the way his All Whites bow went after a slow burn with New Zealand age-group teams.

"I got called up for the U-23s in Papua New Guinea and when I got my chance with the All Whites to go to play Maynmar I was very happy.

"All those international opportunities have been great but unfortunately I got injured but I'm still grateful to have had the experience at the time.

"To play for the All Whites was a great experience despite what happened," he said.

Raniga comes from a strong Fijian-Indian background with regular trips to Fiji to visit relatives a common occurence.

But there was never any doubt in his mind who he wanted to play his football for.

"My dad was born in Fiji and my grandparents on mum's side are as well but she was brought up in Wellington.

"I go to Fiji now and then and was there recently to celebrate a family birthday.

"I played my football in Auckland as a youngster and in the Weir Rose Bowl competition and had a lot of involvement with coaches like Jose Figueira and Simon Richards.

"I had a bit to do with the Wynrs programme with Hiroshi Myizawa and Leigh Kenyon.

"Coming through the Auckland age-groups was good and now with Auckland City FC its good to be a part of it all.

"There was never any real chance I would play for Fiji and I was born here so it felt like a natural pathway to choose New Zealand," he said.

Raniga's talents stretch beyond the field of play with a graduate role taken up with Fletchers in their IT department and he says they've accommodated him every step of the way.

"I joined up with the Auckland City FC squad late because I couldn't get the time off work to get here but Fletchers have been great and I'm grateful to make it to Japan.

"Everyone has been very friendly since I joined this club and the main thing about Auckland City FC is that it feels like a very professional environment.

"I'm loving it at the moment. Its been about a month since I signed for the club but everyday I come to training the standard is another level up.

"Its ideal for the way I want my career to progress - its a great environment," he said.

Now with Kashima Antlers standing between Auckland City FC and a Club World Cup quarter-final with Mamelodi Sundowns, Raniga says there is a glimmer of hope for the Oceania champions in their Mission Impossible.

He watched the J.League final between Urawa Reds and Kashima Antlers and says there was plenty of elements that provide food for thought.

"It was a fast-paced game and also quite direct.

"In a way it was similar to the way the game is played in New Zealand but the pace and the skill levels are at another level.

"Its a big thrill to be part of the squad and a great opportunity for us to play Kashima Antlers.

"The support for myself during rehabilitation has been great and it would be good to have as much support as possible for the team when we play Kashima Antlers on December 8.

"Its going to be a great challenge," he said.

Ends

Match Details
FIFA Club World Cup Playoff
Thursday 8 December, 2016
Kashima Antlers v Auckland City FC
International Stadium Yokohama, Japan
Kick-off: 7.30pm local time / 11.30pm NZST
Live on Sky Sport