Football: WaiBOP to host top teams

Tauranga City captain Sam O'Regan has quickly established himself as a first-choice centre half for WaiBOP United. Photo / File

WAIBOP United finally get to play at home in the ASB Premiership when they host Wanderers SC at Mount Maunganui's Links Avenue tomorrow.

So far, in a disjointed start to the season, the team representing the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions has played two away games on November 1 and November 16, resulting in losses to Canterbury United (0-2) and a controversial 2-3 defeat to Team Wellington last weekend.

But they now have two games at Links Ave back to back.

Saturday's home game is against the cream of New Zealand under-20 players tuning up for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015, and is followed by the visit of powerhouses Waitakere United on December 6, which should see the boutique football ground packed to the rafters.

WaiBOP's Tauranga-based head coach Peter Smith says there is a strong Western Bay feel to his squad, with Tauranga City defender Sam O'Regan and winger Jerahl Hughes impressing in their first taste of New Zealand's top football league.

"The chances that both of these lads will be involved [tomorrow] are quite high. Sam has started every game so far and done exceptionally well," Smith said. "He has made the step up from division two to the premiership and handled it well. He has taken on board everything we have worked with him on and he has come on heaps. Jerahl got a start last week and again did exceptionally well. He has played at a higher level in the UK, as has Sam, so it was just a case of pushing them and challenging them. You can see that they can play."

Other Tauranga-based players in Liam Higgins, Fergus Neil and James McPeake are spreading the football message and WaiBOP brand to young players in the United in the Community programme held at three Western Bay venues on Mondays and Fridays.

The coaching programme is managed by Senior Level 2 coach Nic Millichip and runs until December 19.

"They have been able to give the younger kids role models and get them inspired, with these players playing at the highest level," Smith said.

-Tomorrow's clash between WaiBOP and Wanderers will be followed at 5pm by an exhibition game between Fifa Over-20s and Tauranga City United Invitational XI.

The Fifa team will feature New Zealand Under-20 and Wanderers head coach Darren Bazeley, several of his squad players, former All Whites Mike Ridenton, James Bannatyne plus other notables.