Soccer: This one's to keep faith with Ken

Luiz del Monte has been ignored by higher-grade coaches, much to the surprise and pleasure of Three Kings United coach Paul Marshall. Photo / Martin Sykes

Three Kings United coach Paul Marshall can't understand why New Zealand Football Championship coaches have ignored his Brazilian-born attacking midfielder Luis del Monte.

But Marshall is not complaining - he's happy to have del Monte's mercurial talents as a key part of his side's make-up and playing a vital role in keeping the team's season-long unbeaten record intact.

Asked to name a player to watch in Sunday's Chatham Cup semifinal against favourites - and three-time Cup-winners - Miramar Rangers, Marshall opted for del Monte.

"He is a class player and without doubt technically one of the most gifted in New Zealand," said Marshall. "It amazes me he is not wanted by any of the NZFC franchises. You can be certain it would not happen in a sport like hockey where good technicians are snapped up.

"He had a time at Auckland City under Allan Jones, but spent most of his time on the bench. I can't understand that. He is exceptional at dead-ball time and while he might be fragile defensively, that is a trait of most attacking-minded players.

"He does an outstanding job for us in his wide attacking role."

In 23 matches this season, including five in the cup, Three Kings are unbeaten - a far cry from last season when they amassed only five points in finishing bottom of the Northern Regional Premier League - and were relegated. In the Chatham Cup, they bowed out 1-0 to Papatoetoe at home in the second round after having a first-round bye.

Determined to turn things around at the biggest club in the country, Three Kings - an amalgamation of the Eden and Mt Roskill clubs - finally cajoled Marshall, who has had a son playing at the Keith Hay Park-based club for some time, into taking the reins.

"Initially, I was involved with Central United and Auckland City, but late last season I accepted the role.

"While the club are delighted to get to the cup semifinals for the first time, everything has been aimed at getting promotion back into premier league."

The club is determined to make it a day to savour with a number of the players who were in the Eden and Mt Roskill cup-winning teams of 1950 and 1964 respectively expected as guests.

Marshall, his players and others closely associated with the club have an added incentive.

"We want to win for Ken Sargent," said Marshall. "He is a beautiful man."

Sargent is in hospital battling asbestos-related lung cancer, but hopes to be well enough to spend a couple of hours on the sideline on Sunday.

"He is not well. For me he has been a godsend. He has been superb and we all want to do this for him," said Marshall.

Sargent has filled many roles at the club, from playing in 1967 when he joined Mt Roskill after returning from watching the 1966 World Cup in England, to secretary, treasurer and president along with various posts with the Auckland Football Association and the Northern League.

"I played through to the mid-70s when injuries caught up with me,' said Sargent, 64, from his hospital bed this week. "Then I became involved in the administration. Joining with Eden [in 1997] was a good mix as they had always been a strong junior club and we [Mt Roskill] were stronger in the senior side of our club.

"The club has grown and now has over 200 junior teams and 20 senior teams. We use pitches at 13 grounds."

Of the decision to bring in Marshall, Sargent said it was an obvious move as the club was determined they should not slide away.

"His appointment has been a success. He is popular with the players and it is our intention to keep him here.

"Sunday is seen as the biggest day for the club in the 45 years since we won the cup," said Sargent. "We are determined to make the most of it."

For Marshall, an avid Tottenham Hotspur fan, there could be a second celebration within 12 hours if Spurs can beat Birmingham City on Sunday morning. But his biggest cheer will come if Three Kings United can book a coveted spot in next month's Chatham Cup final.