Soccer: Goal-hungry Ibrahim keeps Kingz in hunt

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Football Kingz are on the verge of something big. Not for the first time.

But now there is the real hope they can finally crack it and win three National Soccer League games on the trot.

Up to eighth place - as high as they reached last season - and the best this season apart from when they hit the top three in the third round in mid-December, the Wynton Rufer-coached side are keeping their slim playoff dream alive.

Last week's 3-1 away win over Parramatta Power was the first time in 60 NSL games that the same lineup had started in consecutive matches.

Hopefully, an "if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it" attitude will prevail and the same 11 players will run on to Ericsson Stadium tomorrow night to play Canberra Cosmos.

But don't hold your breath.

Assistant coach Shane Rufer was yesterday hinting at changes, with Che Bunce in line for his first start since December 8, while German midfielder Andy Bluhm could win a place following his recent good efforts.

Changes for simply changes sake will not wash with the fans unless, of course, the Kingz can produce a victory which would stretch their unbeaten record to seven weeks.

The late resurgence has coincided with German striker Dennis Ibrahim finding his best form.

Goal-less through the first 11 rounds, Ibrahim scored his first, ironically against Canberra, on December 30, and has built from there.

His six goals in the last three games have helped the Kingz to draw 2-2 away to the Melbourne Knights, to beat Brisbane Strikers 3-2 at home and score that fine away victory over Parramatta Power .

It takes his tally to nine - just a goal out of the top dozen on the league's goalscoring list.

Ibrahim is in sight of Aaron Silva's club record of 11 scored in the team's inaugural season.

Silva has hardly raised a yelp this season, with just six part-games and one goal.

The Rufers are taking pride in the Kingz' late run, but admit it is still some way short of what they really want.

"The game is starting to come alive in this part of the world," Shane Rufer said. "We have been dominating games - even those against South Melbourne and Wollongong which we didn't win - which is positive.

"But at times we let ourselves down. Against Parramatta last week I could sense there were some nerves. There was a lack of aggression, especially in the first half, but overall they are doing well.

"I know there has been some criticism of the way we play, but retaining possession at this level is crucial," Rufer said.

"Playing the ball back or square might not always win favour with fans, but it is important they learn to hold the ball and build from there."

With no players sent off or suspended this season, the Kingz have a second-to-none record. Most coaches would, however, trade a fair play award for hard-fought victories.

The Kingz, at times, are now doing both.

As New Zealand Soccer chief executive Bill MacGowan said: "The Football Kingz are a vital part of soccer in New Zealand. They have a role to play, off and on the field, in promoting the game here."

From a shaky beginning in 1999, when their very entry into the Australian league was challenged from many sides, the Football Kingz have grown.

With a pending restructure which may or may not see the Rufers and long-time boss Chris Turner survive, the club is once more at the crossroads.

Victory tomorrow night in the first of three back-to-back home games would do plenty and ensure the hardcore fan base will be back. The players deserve that.

Tomorrow's game kicks-off at 7.30 pm, with a curtainraiser between Mt Albert Grammar and Auckland Grammar at 5.30 pm.