Soccer: Kingz keen on Kiwi keeper

Flamboyant All Whites goalkeeper Michael Utting could play for Auckland's Football Kingz in the Australian national soccer league next month.

Utting, a star for New Zealand at the Confederations Cup in Mexico in July, is hoping to secure a major overseas contract but he remains open to offers while his agent negotiates with clubs in Europe and the United States.

Utting returned home to Wellington after the Confederations Cup and on Monday began training with the Kingz.

He played for them in a 3-2 victory over a Federation Selection side in Rotorua on Wednesday night.

"I have to talk with the Kingz. It is hard to say but there is a chance I could play a couple of games," Utting said.

"I joined them this week because I'm trying to get fit and it's been really nice being in camp with them. They're shaping up really well."

Kingz management are optimistic of securing Utting's services for a handful of games at the start of the season.

The Kingz play the opening game of the 1999-2000 season against Carlton at North Harbour Stadium on October 1.

Player-coach Wynton Rufer and director Chris Turner both said Utting was a target.

"I wouldn't rule anything out," Turner said. "Michael has nothing else on at the moment and we'd love to get him, even if it's only for a couple of games."

Utting will discuss the matter further with Kingz management today but he is certainly in no hurry to leave the country.

His sister is due to give birth in Wellington shortly and he would like to share in the family excitement.

"It is very hard to tell right at the moment where I'm going to end up," he said.

"I'm still waiting to hear from overseas. My agent is talking to other agents so I'm just sitting back and waiting. I feel I have done enough on the world stage so it is just a matter of striking the right deal."

Utting's prospects of playing in England hinge on him gaining a work permit. He does have the option of returning to South Africa but he feels he has proved himself there after a successful period with Supersport United.

Playing in Mexico is another possibility.

* Australian Dino Menillo scored twice and former All White Fred de Jong once in the Kingz 3-2 win in Rotorua on Wednesday night. The result follows the Kingz' opening 1-0 win over a Central Region side last week.

Meanwhile, Telstra New Zealand and Bartercard were confirmed as the major sponsors of the Kingz yesterday. - NZPA