Page 254 - NUAFC EBook

Greens sign up Solomon's star
Waikato Times, Saturday 8th July 2006. By Bruce Holloway

Ngaruawahia United have given huge impetus to their promotion charge in northern
league second division soccer by signing a top Solomon Islands international.
Stanley Waita, a Solomon's' international with more than 30 caps, hinted at his
pedigree when he fronted up to his first Ngaruawahia training session wearing Brett
Emerton's Socceroo shirt. The shirt was a memento of his part in the Solomon's almost
upsetting Australia –- they missed a penalty in losing 2-1 –- in a World Cup qualifier in
Honiara.
And if there were any doubts about the 26-year-old's class, they were quickly
dispelled when he scored two goals on debut for the Green Machine last week before being
subbed off.
Waita will again be the star attraction when Ngaruawahia host Otahuhu United at
Centennial Park on Saturday.
Waita's wife, Shalom, is studying for her masters degree in education at Waikato
University. It means Waita will be based in Hamilton for two years, making him a likely
candidate for Waikato FC in next summer's national league –- once he fully adapts.
"In the Solomons we love too much to keep the ball on the ground and are not at all
physical," Waita said. "Here it is very physical."
Ngaruawahia forged strong bonds with the Solomons with their collection of old
football gear for the Marist Football Club to take back to Honiara after the Oceania Club
Championships earlier this year.
Ngaruawahia's old first team strip is now being worn by the Solomon Islands Police
team.
Ngaruawahia coach Gordon Glen Watson said it was a huge coup for the club to
secure a player of Waita's stature. "It is a huge privilege," he said. "Not many New Zealand
clubs have an international of his standing on their books.
"Stanley is skilful and deceptively quick. But he has also had an impact in that the
players around him have lifted. Gerard Pambuai looks a different player."
Support from Rentokil Initial and Lotto Sports made Ngaruawahia hope to sign more
Solomon's players and expect that at some stage home-grown players will go to the
Solomons to play.

Sport Waikato Team of the Year 2006

With Team Captain Sean Sullivan
not available, Ngaruawahia United
Committee Members Sandy MacDonald,
Maxine Williams and Ricky Duffull were
on hand to accept the Team of the Year
Award on behalf of the Club’s Northern
League Squad from Sport Waikato. The
function, recognising achievements across
all Waikato sports codes, was held at the
Endowed College, Hopuhopu.
The presentation was made by
Gordon Titchens, the New Zealand Sevens
Coach.
The Club had also nominated
Gordon Glen Watson and Richard Harris
for Coach of the Year (Jeff Coulshed
winning the award in 1998).

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