Leigh Kenyon will be the first of the Football Kingz to return to domestic play when he turns out for University/Mt Wellington in tomorrow's key match against Manawatu.
University/Mt Wellington go into the match in second place on the Ansett National Club Championship table, a point adrift ofleaders Nelson, with the Richard Hudson-coached Manawatu side two points back in third.
Kenyon, set to sign for a second season with the Kingz, was named by coaches Wynton and Shane Rufer as the club's young player of the year. His return has kept former international Billy Harris out of the squad for the McKinlay Park battle.
James Patterson will strengthen the Mount defence in the only round 10 game in Auckland this weekend. Central and Waitakere City have had their game postponed because of Central's commitment to the national under-23 side in South Africa.
Manawatu must overcome the odds if they are to take points, as they have picked up just one of their 16 points on the road this season.
In what promises to be the game of the round, Napier City Rovers are at home to Nelson.
Only Manawatu (19) and Miramar (18) have scored more than Nelson's 17 goals, while Napier, who have conceded just eight goals, have by far the best defensive record.
Metro, fresh from only their second win of the season, face the long trip south to play Dunedin Technical, with the loser assured of ending the day at the bottom of the table.
The home side will be without under-23 internationals Blair Scoullar and goalkeeper Chris Marsh. Metro will again look to the goal-grabbing efforts of Graham Green if they are to mount a challenge.
Christchurch, like Manawatu, have a sorry away record, conceding 16 goals in four games on the road. They will need something better if they are to trouble Miramar Rangers at Centennial Park.
