A little over a year ago, Roy Krishna was happily kicking a ball about with his mates in the small Fiji town of Labasa.
Next week he begins a two-week stint training with the Wellington Phoenix under coach Ricki Herbert.
Among those watching Krishna in his hometown wasCarlos Buzetti,former Uruguayan and long-time coach in Australia and Oceania. Impressed, he quickly named Krishna in his Fiji team for last year's Oceania under-20 tournament in Auckland.
While some of his impetuous ways remained, the super-quick youngster emerged as the leading goalscorer. Many felt he, rather than New Zealand midfielder Chris James, should have been named as the player of the tournament.
Krishna was soon pitched into Fiji's national side.
At the same time Buzetti andWaitakere United chairman Rex Dawkins began discussions aimed at getting the striker on their books.
In a couple of brief appearances for United at the end of the New Zealand Football Championship season, Krishna showed he had something.
He impressed Herbert, whocontacted Dawkins offering the chance for the 20-year-old to join the Phoenix for two weeks of intensive training.
"Roy is a player of prodigioustalent and one we are pleased to have on our books," said Dawkins. "It is clear, however, that he is destined for higher honours.
"It would be great for him if we can win the O-League and return to Japan for the World Club Cup where I'm sure the scouts would be keen to cast their eyes over him."
Krishna is committed to Waitakere United until at least the end of the 2008-09 season and will play forWaitakere City this winter.
Herbert looks forward to hosting him in the first of what could be regular opportunities for NZFC players.
But Herbert has moved to quash rumours Krishna will sign for Phoenix for this Hyundai A-League season.
"Roy is not a possible signing for this season, he will merely spend time with us in a professional environment to learn and develop. It will also give me the chance to see him firsthand, maybe with an eye to future seasons."
