Soccer: Herbert looks to refocus All Whites

Ricki Herbert and his All Whites must shrug off the distractions - including suggestions tomorrow's game against Botswana was in danger of being called off - which have dogged their Confederations Cup build-up and turn in a decent effort before they tackle world champions Italy next week.

After the disruptions to their build-up to the Tanzania game earlier this week when promised training facilities in Gaborone, Botswana, were not up to standard, the All Whites returned to the country's capital two days ago. They were greeted with the news there were concerns whether the friendly with the African nation would go ahead.

As late as Wednesday night, the pitch at the University of Botswana was still being resurfaced.

Yesterday Botswana Football Association officials were insisting the match will go ahead.

The All Whites need all the football they can get and see this game as a vital cog in their build-up to their Confederations Cup opener against Spain in Rustenburg on June 15.

Herbert made it clear after the harrowing 2-1 loss to Tanzania earlier this week that he wants to use tomorrow's game as the chance to ensure all players - apart from defender Ben Sigmund who continues his rehabilitation from hip surgery - have game time before he names his first choice lineup to play Italy.

"The pitch is poor," said Herbert. "For that reason I will not risk frontliners like Leo Bertos, Shane Smeltz and Tony Lochhead but Chris Killen needs game time and will play."

The game gives the All Whites the chance to return to winning form after the disappointment of that last-ditch loss in Dar es Salaam.

On current rankings New Zealand, at 82, are comfortably ahead of Botswana at 118 but as the 33rd-ranked African nation, they are only two spots below Tanzania.

While he will not name his starting XI until closer to kick-off, Herbert has already flagged changes from the team who played Tanzania.

Glen Moss will be in goal and the late arrivals from Europe and the US will also get their chance. He will almost certainly leave Smeltz on the sideline to give him time to get over the slight groin strain which saw him called in during the Tanzania game.

That gives Kris Bright the chance to start alongside Killen who will spearhead the attack and likely play the whole 90 minutes. Chris Wood could get another chance up front while Jarrod Smith will play in attack or midfield.

With Sigmund not in contention, Herbert could pair Ivan Vicelich with Andy Boyens as central defenders and give Aaron Scott a start at right back.

Duncan Oughton, Chris James, Simon Elliott and Andy Barron could start in midfield.

Results are not always important but for Herbert and his team games like this are vital steps in preparing for the looming challenge the Confederations Cup presents.

BOTSWANA V NEW ZEALAND

* University of Botswana Football Stadium
* Tomorrow 2am (NZ time)
* New Zealand (likely): Glen Moss, Aaron Scott, Ivan Vicelich, Andy Boyens, David Milligan, Jarrod Smith, Duncan Oughton, Simon Elliott, Andy Barron, Chris James, Chris Killen. Substitutes: James Bannatyne, Tony Lochhead, Steven Old, Tim Brown, Jeremy Christie, Jeremy Brockie, Leo Bertos, Chris Wood, Shane Smeltz, Kris Bright, Mark Paston.