Soccer: Kewell on sidebar for Rufer clinics

Harry Kewell of the Melbourne Victory Photo / Getty Images

He's not David Beckham but an international football superstar will be making an extended visit to New Zealand this week. Australian Harry Kewell, who starred for Leeds and Liverpool and was recognised one of the best players in the Premier League, is set to arrive in Wellington tonight and will assist Wynton Rufer in some coaching clinics.

Kewell will be accompanied by former Argentinean striker Abel Balbo, who is involved in development with the Melbourne Victory and has been linked with a job within the Socceroos set up.

It is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring footballers in a region; a chance to learn from the Oceania player of the century (Rufer) and the man generally recognised as the greatest footballing export Australia has produced. Apart from some possible sightseeing, Kewell will also have his own personal training sessions as he builds up to the Melbourne Victory's clash with the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday.

Although the idea was floated a few months ago, Rufer was contacted by Kewell's management on Friday with a proposal for an extended visit and he has put plans in place.

"It is all about giving something back to the game," says Rufer. "I've known Harry for a while and he has seen the work we have done with Wyners. I don't know if he has ever been to New Zealand so it is certainly a special opportunity."

Kewell, Balbo and Rufer will conduct a session tomorrow afternoon at Rongatai College, Rufer's former high school. There may yet be further opportunities with details still to be finalised. The session won't be free - Rufer says he ran a free session in Christchurch this year and 400 kids turned up - but Kewell is not charging for his appearance and all proceeds will go back into funding the academy.

Kewell, in conjunction with Balbo, plans to run his own academy in Australia when he hangs up his boots and is keen to learn some lessons from Rufer.

Kewell made his debut for Australia as a 17-year-old in 1996, and signed for Leeds United soon afterwards. With compatriot Mark Viduka and a troupe of talented youngsters Kewell enjoyed a few golden years at Elland Road; they made the semifinals of the Champions League in 2001, regularly challenged the big guns and the Australian was named PFA young player of the year (1999-2000). At Anfield from 2003-2008, he rarely recaptured his best form, apart from a sublime period in the 2005-2006 season. He was a fan favourite in Turkey with Galatasaray, nicknamed the Wizard of Oz, before he came home to play for Melbourne. He has shone for Australia on many occasions and scored the goal against Croatia that took them to the second round of the 2006 World Cup.

Rufer and Kewell met in 1999, when Rufer, playing for the World XI, took on the Socceroos in a game to open the Sydney Olympic Stadium. They have crossed paths in Europe and Rufer has a close association with some of Kewell's management.

When he signed with the Victory it was agreed Kewell would travel a few days ahead of the team for the longer away trips like to Perth and Wellington. The latter part of his career has been plagued with injury; constant injuries ruined the latter part of his time with Liverpool and disrupted his years in Turkey.

The theory is that flying 3-5 hours the day before a game is not conducive to peak performance for the 33-year-old. Instead Kewell arrives early and has private sessions with a club trainer before linking with the team. The Victory squad - including Marco Rojas - are expected in Wellington on Sunday.