More than 27 years after one of the most controversial matches in New Zealand sport, the Kuwaitis are coming back to Auckland.
The Middle East side will hold a training camp here from February 20 to March 1, playing teams from top New Zealand Football Championship clubs AucklandCity and Waitakere United.
Kuwait, bringing a party of 25 players and 26 staff who will stay at the Stamford Plaza, are preparing for a 2011 Asian Cup qualifier against Australia in Canberra on March 5.
The visitors will play Auckland City at Kiwitea St on February 24 and Waitakere three days later at either Trusts Stadium or Allen Hill Stadium in Devonport.
New Zealand Football did not attempt to schedule a game with the All Whites as the dates fall outside any Fifa window. Fringe national team players might be called in to play in one or other of the matches as the All Whites are due to play friendlies against Thailand, in Bangkok on March 28, and Indonesia, in Jakarta on April 1.
The last time Kuwait played here was October 10, 1981, in a World Cup qualifier at Mt Smart Stadium. Kuwait won 2-1 in a game notable for the shocking display by Indonesian referee Hardjowasito Sudarso.
One irate fan ran onto the pitch and hurled an empty soft drink can, causing the game to be called off for a few minutes.
