PREVIEW: Oceania champs to face youthful Phoenix in Kate Sheppard Cup

By Warren Olson and Jack Sharp

The Kate Sheppard Cup semi-final between Wellington Phoenix Reserves and Auckland United provides a platform for individual contests as well as between the teams.

Wellington, or to be precise, Fraser Park out in the Hutt Valley, is the venue for the semi-final that pits the country’s form team against current Oceania club champions Auckland United, who take on the youngsters of the Wellington Phoenix Reserves.

With a plethora of talent from both starting line-ups to the bench and the chance to play on the Phoenix’s artificial turf, this should provide a fast-moving game with end-to-end attacking play.

Players to watch

For the Auckland visitors, I’m expecting Charlotte Roche to cause problems for the Nix defence. Her finishing for United this season has often been better than some of their name up-front players, and I expect her to get on the scoresheet again.

If that is the case, it will quite likely be due to the work of her regular assist partner Rene Wasi who is a class act, with a great eye for a pass and sure to cause plenty of headaches for the ‘Nix defence.

One of those tasked with not only stopping the Auckland attacks, but also initiating them for the Phoenix reserves, is Georgie Furnell.

It seems an age ago, I first saw the then-diminutive Furnell come off the bench as a 14-year-old for Central in the National League and beat players often twice her age and size.

Playing for a lower profile federation at the top level is never easy, but now she is immersed in the Phoenix environment, Furnell is fast gaining in experience (and size) and will no doubt soon be part of the ‘Nix’s first team.

— Warren Olson

Western Springs’ Ela Jerez celebrates scoring the winner. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

Last September, Ela Jerez was 15, playing her first season at top level and she was named on the bench for Western Springs’ squad to play Wellington United in the Kate Sheppard Cup final.

The U-16 international, who played her junior football with Marist, Onerahi and Northland FC, came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 89th minute.

This year, she’s one game away from her second cup final, but this time plays for the Wellington Phoenix.

On the other side, Auckland United’s line-up will likely include midfielder Chloe Knott and defender Saskia Vosper.

Last year, both were playing for the Wellington Phoenix in the women’s A-League.

After the end of their contracts, the pair moved to Auckland where they joined Auckland United.

Players often excel against their former clubs; they get their chance on Saturday.

— Jack Sharp

Bold predictions

Never easy to rate Auckland sides stepping out against those south of the Bombay Hills for the first time each season.

Auckland United’s record this year — Oceania champions and undefeated in the Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership with an enviable 50+ goal difference — they may have a too much experience and physicality for the Phoenix Reserves.

A full-strength United did have to settle for a draw last week with midtable Fencibles United in the Premiership, so if there are any chinks in their armour, the skilful ‘Nix youngsters could be the ones to exploit it.

I’ll tip Auckland United 3, Phoenix 1.

— Warren Olson

Auckland United go into the match as clear favourites but they face a young side eager to show what they’re capable of.

The longer the Phoenix can stay in the contest, the trickier this could get for the Aucklanders.

I’m expecting the game to be close till the last 20 minutes, when I think United will get the win, by a single goal margin.

— Jack Sharp. 

Latest squads

Officials

Referee: Lindsey Robinson. Assistants: Heloise Welch, Chino Barrett-Lovie. Fourth official: Jordan Boyd.

Fixtures

Games to be played on Saturday August 17, 2024

Semi-finals

Wellington Phoenix Res v Auckland United
Fraser Park, Taita, 1pm

PREVIEW: Kate Sheppard Cup provides biggest test for Phoenix youngsters >>>>

Dunedin City Royals v Western Springs
Tahuna Park, Dunedin, 11am

PREVIEW: Holders face strong challenge from unbeaten Royals in cup semi-final >>>>

Past rounds

RESULTS: Quarter-finals of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

RESULTS: Third round of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

RESULTS: Second round of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

RESULTS: First round of 2024 Kate Sheppard Cup >>>>

Final

Game to be played on Saturday September 7, 2024

READ MORE: North Harbour Stadium confirmed to host double header of cup finals >>>>

All the past winners — Kate Sheppard Cup

Warren Olson

Warren Olson is a Wellington-based enthusiast for and long-time follower of women’s football.

Jack Sharp

Jack Sharp is a long-time follower of club football in New Zealand and is a volunteer writer for Friends of Football.

More football stories