Soccer: O-League draw separates NZ sides

Auckland City celebrate after winning the 2011 O-League Final. Photo / Steven McNicholl

New Zealand's representatives in the 2011-2012 O-League, defending champions Auckland City and past winners Waitakere United, have for the first time been placed in different groups but neither expect an easy passage.

But, unlike City who also have to focus on December's Fifa World Club Cup in Japan, Waitakere will benefit by focusing solely on the O-League.

They have been handed a favourable draw with home games in group A to kick off their campaign against New Caledonian champions Tefana and Fijian representative Ba. Tahitian champions Mont-Dore round out the four-strong group.

Coach Neil Emblen sees two home games as a bonus but realises anything but maximum points from the games in October and November could dent their hopes.

Auckland City are away to Solomon Islands' Koloale before meeting Papua New Guinea champions Hekari United at home. A home game against Vanuatu side Amicale in December has been put back to January because of the Club World Cup.

"The dynamics of the tournament are changing," said City general manager Craig Edwards. "It's a challenge and is going to get even more challenging in coming years."

Waitakere chairman Rex Dawkins said he thought separating the New Zealand teams would benefit the island nations. "They like playing New Zealand teams but it hasn't been possible to play both with us being in different groups," said Dawkins.