Football: Sigmund shares with Bay

Former All White Ben Sigmund (front right) and co-author of his book and radio announcer Jason Pine, field some tough questions last night. Photo / Duncan Brown

New Zealand's sole A-League football club Wellington Phoenix must buy more players offshore to be more competitive.

This was the call from retired Phoenix defender and former All White Ben Sigmund who was in the Bay yesterday promoting his book, Fully Committed - The Ben Sigmund Story.

"Coach Ernie Merrick and the club are doing a fantastic job as they look to the future but more offshore players would give the team a bit more beef," Sigmund said after speaking at a function attended by 40 people at the Napier City Rovers clubrooms.

Sigmund, 35, spoke about the tough times during his career including the occasion he abandoned the code to return to his other passion, club rugby.

He also answered some entertaining curly questions on the incident he is most remembered for and what has been described as the worst two-footed challenge in football when as an All White substitute he tripped and stomped on the feet of UAE goal scorer, Ali Mabkhout, in September 2013.

New Zealand Football's epic November 14, 2009, night in Wellington when the All Whites took on Bahrain was another hot topic.

Sigmund also recalled several ding-dong battles with good friend and former Hawke's Bay United striker Chris McIvor.

"I remember coming here with Canterbury United on several occasions when we thought we were going home with a win or a draw and then McIvor would put a late goal into the top corner of the net."

McIvor will be the sole Hawke's Bay player in a All Stars Selection which will play in a game against a selection of former Phoenix and All Whites teammates of Sigmund's at Waikaraka Park on Sunday as part of the book promotion tour.

Before last night's function McIvor, who is the director of sport at Woodford House, hosted the school academy's "Growing Athletes" presentation.

More than 100 students from throughout the Bay attended the event which covered mental skills, strength and conditioning, nutrition, talent identification, US scholarships and leadership.

Sigmund spoke at the end of the presentation.

Other speakers included the Bay's New Zealand under-20 women's football coach Leon Birnie, Indigo Hawks basketball veteran Paora Winitana, Netball NZ high performance coach Charissa Barham, Life NZ Leadership coach Robert Miller, HB United strength and conditioning coach Brandon Campbell, HB Magpies rugby team assistant coach Danny Lee and HB Rugby Academy manager Joe Payton.

Last night's function was a fundraiser for the Central Football Hardship Fund.

The fund has been set up to help provide assistance when cost is a barrier to participation for juniors.

Sigmund pointed out 1200 copes of his book had already been sold and he hoped to reach the 3000 mark.

For every book sold $1 will be donated to The Neonatal Trust.

- Books can be purchased on line at bensigmund.co.nz