A rare midweek game for Otago United against the Wellington Phoenix A side should attract a broad base of supporters to Tahuna Park tonight.
The ASB Challenge series against all premiership sides involves the Phoenix squad and reserve coach Jonathan Gould in matches that benefit both sides.
Since there is a $2000 prize for the winner, Otago's penurious state will clearly require attendance by the full United management board.
Also, great interest will be shown by Wynton Rufer, the Oceania Player of the Century, who has been running coaching courses for aspiring players at the Grants Braes club, and since his son Caleb is likely to play against Otago, yet another proud father swells the match attendance.
Caleb Rufer has played professionally in Germany for the Wehen Wiesbaden club, and is one of several promising New Zealanders likely to play for Phoenix tonight.
The match will also be a vehicle for some of Otago's emerging young talent such as Joel Stephens, who leaves next week for a stint at Everton's coaching academy.
Other youngsters include the highly rated Jack Kirkwood, Sam Mepham and Curtis Day.
But coach Malcolm Fleming is aware that since the Phoenix senior side has missed its most recent Hyundai A-League match, some senior players could possibly get a run against Otago.
"First and foremost, this is a serious competitive match and we will start with our strongest selection, although no Christchurch-based players will be involved," Fleming said.
"However, it is also a great opportunity to see how our emerging youngsters can lift their game against top opposition. The possible mix from professional players to our youngsters should provide a rare spectacle for Otago fans and, as usual, we will need their noisy support."
Otago United v Phoenix
Tahuna Park, 6.30pm
Otago United squad: Callum Flaws, Tom Connor, Tristan Prattley, Tim Horner, Andy Coburn, Morgan Day, Ant Hancock, Harley Rodeka, Phil Ruggles, Aaron Burgess, Liam Lockhart, Nathan Gunn, Matt Brook, Sam Mepham, Curtis Day, Joel Stephens, Jack Kirkwood
Wellington Phoenix A (from): Reece Crowther, Ashton Pett, Tony Lochhead, Nick Ward, Alec Solomons, James Musa, Zane Sole, Diego Walsh, Caleb Rufer, Oscar Cornejo, Mirjan Pavlovic, Danyon Drake, Sean Lovemore, Hamish Watson, Tom Biss, Nick Branch, Justin Gulley, Matt Gould.
