Rotorua twins Dan (left) and Matt Haua will lead Maori Football New Zealand's own haka for the under-19 Kahukura side. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Rotorua twins Dan (left) and Matt Haua will lead Maori Football New Zealand's own haka for the under-19 Kahukura side. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
Rotorua twins Dan and Matt Haua are preparing themselves for the biggest moment of their footballing careers to date.
The talented duo will lead Maori Football New Zealand's own haka, which will debut when the under-19 Kahukura side, which also includes Rotorua's James Hodge and Mel Cropp, take on Papua New Guinea under-17s tomorrow.
The team will then take on Fiji under-17s on Monday with the two opposition sides using the matches in Auckland as preparation for qualifiers for the under-17 Fifa World Cup in India.
Dan and Matt, 18, are members of Ngongotaha AFC, and were selected for the leadership role after impressing during training this week. Dan, who is vice-captain for tomorrow's match, said he was deeply humbled to be given both significant roles.
"It's such an honour and I'm very humbled. The management saw leadership qualities in me and I will make sure to bring that to the haka and on the pitch," Dan said.
"What's even more special is that myself and my twin get to lead together. It's very important to embrace our culture and show how proud we are. He is the closest person to me in the world so it's great that we can go into battle together."
Matt, who is 20 minutes younger than Dan, added: "It feels really good. This whole process has been a very unique experience and to make this step up is huge for both of us.
"To lead the haka together, well, it doesn't get much better than that. All the boys have been working hard on it. It's important to respect our culture and heritage and having this opportunity doesn't come along too often."
The under-19 Kahukura Maori New Zealand football side. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED
The Maori Football New Zealand haka was composed and created by the players and head coach Phil Parker.
"We own our own haka, so we don't have to look to other national sporting teams and stuff and try to replicate their haka, we've composed our own haka that's very special and talks about our journey so far. But also it's composed of the players and the Te Kaea themselves."
Dan and Matt come from a Ngongotaha football family with eldest brother David captaining the first team to Northern League football last season and Isaac and Josh also playing in the same side.
But the youngest siblings are the first to be selected at this level and both said they were feeling confident ahead of the tough fixtures.
"Over this week we have really bonded as a team and I think we have a great chance. We will try our best to win and playing at this level will certainly make everyone raise their game," said attacking player Dan.
Left winger Matt added: "I'll certainly make the most of this opportunity. This is a big thing for Rotorua football and we want to do everyone proud. Of course, it's tough opposition but we go in with a winning attitude."
Both are aiming to play in Ngongotaha's first side this season in the team's Northern League Division two campaign with a long-term aim of becoming professional footballers.
"This is a big stepping stone for us both," said Dan. "We've made a big step here and we'll both keep working hard to become the best we can."
Fixtures:
Under-19 Kahukura Maori New Zealand v Papua New Guinea under-17, Saturday, Kick-off 1pm, McLennan Park, Auckland.
Under-19 Kahukura Maori New Zealand v Fiji under-17, Monday 16, Kick-off 1pm, McLennan Park, Auckland.
*Both games will be streamed live on the Maori Football NZ facebook page.
Under-19 Kahukura Maori New Zealand squad:
Andre Fruh (Swiss/Thai) "Invitational Player" Luis Ihaia (Nagti Porou) Dan Haua - Vice-captain (Ngati Porou) James Hodge (Te Arawa) Mel Cropp (Te Arawa) Dylan Grant (Ngapuhi) Cody Rickard (Tainui) Prashneel Roy (Fiji) "Invitational Player" Gene Toohey (Ngati Kahu) Liam McGrath (Ireland) "Invitational Player" Sean Clark - Captain (Te Ati Awa) Jack McQuiod (Tainui) Izak Papa (Ngaiterangi/Te Whanau-A-Apanui) Matt Haua (Ngati Porou) Loui Tavan (Tainui)
