Soccer: Rufer to get more game time

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Kingz fans can expect to see more of Wynton Rufer this season.

Rufer yesterday ended speculation about his future by signing a one-year contract. It will be his third with the Kingz but the first without the shackles of juggling playing and coaching.

New coach Mike Petersen was delighted to welcome the Oceania player of the century into his squad, but he was not being drawn on the role Rufer will play.

"It is hard to say at this stage whether we will use him off the bench or in the starting line-up," said Petersen. "It is definitely my intention to give him more game time but just how will be decided later.

"Most teams these days tend to rotate their strikeforce and I'm sure we will do the same."

Petersen said he saw Rufer playing as an "out-and-out striker".

"He is most comfortable in front of the sticks," said Petersen. "And that's where we will play him."

Rufer said he was happy to be involved again and could continue as Oceania's representative on Fifa's players committee. He has also accepted a seat on the Kingz board.

"I don't see too much difficulty in switching from my former role," said Rufer.

"Mike Petersen is one of only two NSL coaches I would have chosen for the Kingz."

Petersen admitted it would be unrealistic to expect Rufer to train as hard as a 19-year-old, but he was sure Rufer would front up.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Wynton Rufer scoring the winning goal in the grand final."

Rufer's signing brings the Kingz squad to 15 fulltime players. Riki Van Steeden and Chris Marsh are on month-by-month arrangements.

The Kingz have yet to sign a fulltime goalkeeper but are understood to have offered All Whites keeper James Bannatyne a trial.

Young Christchurch City midfielder/defender Ben Sigmund will join the Kingz on Monday on trial.

It is likely the Kingz will sign a sixth Australian. South Melbourne defenders Mehmet Durakovic and Fausto De Amicis are thought to be under consideration.

* With the top four decided, interest centres on two matches in tomorrow's final round-robin games in the Southern Trust national league.

Confirmed winners Miramar are in Palmerston North, where Manawatu must win to have any chance of overhauling Central to finish second, and gain a second life in the play-offs.

At Kiwitea St, Central must go all out for victory over University Mt Wellington to guarantee second place.

The pressure will be off Uni-Mount, who are already assured of no better or no worse than fourth.