Soccer: Chile import warms to Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Whether playing in a match or simply joining his Football Kingz team-mates in training, Chilean newcomer Mauro Donoso has quickly given the impression he is enjoying himself.

Smiling even though he struggles at times to come to grips with another language, Donoso has shown out as a no-nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get defender.

At 31, the former Chilean under-23 international has brought some welcome experience to a Kingz side struggling to stay afloat as the NSL closes on the play-offs.

Forced to sit on the sideline for four weeks after arriving in Auckland from Santiago awaiting the reopening of the transfer window, Donoso used the time to learn at least enough English to get by and understand the philosophies of Kingz coach Ken Dugdale.

He has quickly impressed Dugdale.

"Being a natural left-side player is a bonus and allows us to look at options in terms of how we approach things," Dugdale said. "He has fitted in well.

"I thought he played well first-up against the Olympic Sharks last weekend."

Of Donoso's future prospects with the club, Dugdale said: "He has to perform, but he has already shown he wants to play. I'm sure he can do a job."

Another defender, Australian Con Anthopoulos, joins the team this week, meaning Dugdale may well consider his options before naming the side to play sixth-placed Adelaide City Force in New Plymouth tomorrow night.

"We will see what players we have got before making a decision on whether we play three or four at the back," Dugdale said. "We have some options now."

Using compatriot Patricio Almendra as an interpreter, Donoso said he was enjoying his time in Auckland and was determined to make the most of the opportunity the Kingz had given him.

"It is good for me and my family," said Donoso, who has an 18-month-old son. "It is a good place to live, but we are not here for a holiday.

"I want to play football. If I'm no good, I won't stay."

After playing his early soccer at school, Donoso turned professional at 17, quickly showing out as a natural left-footer. In those days he often played as an attacking midfielder.

He has had no other job. Just football, and all played in Chile, until his decision to join Almendra in Auckland.

"I played in the first division in Chile right up until I came here in December," Donoso said.

"I understood the Olympic Sharks were a top team, but I did not think they were much different than the other sides I have seen.

"I think the Kingz [who are 10th] are more than capable of making the top six. We just need a little bit of luck."

Of his struggle to improve his English, Donoso said: "Maradona, in his first year in Italy, could speak no Italian but he could still play football.

"I'm learning. One month has been good for me."

Encouragingly, he says he has no problem in getting on the same wavelength as fellow defender Hiroshi Miyazawa from Japan and goalkeeper Michael Utting.

Just as he says he has no problem playing in a three or four-man defensive system.

Donoso has quickly shown out as a player who enjoys what he is doing.

He is certainly not hung up on coming to terms with the language or systems. He just wants to play football.

From what he has shown already, he does that pretty well.