This weekend must surely be the busiest for football supporters in many a season.
We’ve got an All Whites game in the World Cup, a Wellington Phoenix match, the Kate Sheppard Cup final, the women’s A-League grand final, as well as the opening weekend of Northern League and Lotto NRFL competitions.
And let’s not forget the second leg of the Lotto NRFL promotion play-off series!
Here’s our round-up of what to watch, what do do, and when, over the weekend of Friday March 25 – Sunday March 27:
Friday
New Zealand v New Caledonia
Group B
Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament
Kick-off: 6am (NZT)
Qatar SC Stadium, Doha
Watch: Sky Sports 7
Danny Hay’s All Whites go into the final of their pool games with a berth in Monday’s semi-finals already assured.
That gives him the option of resting key players such as record-breaker Chris Wood and captain Winston Reid, while introducing any (or all) of the five players to join the squad this week.
Click here for story >>>>
Saturday
Northern League / Lotto NRFL
It’s opening day for the Northern League and for the Lotto NRFL men’s first division.
All these games get underway at 3pm and there’s plenty to choose from if you’re a neutral in search of an entertaining afternoon.
Click here for our Northern League preview >>>>
Click here for our Lotto NRFL division one preview >>>>
Ngaruawahia United v Papakura City
Lotto NRFL Division 2 play-off series
Kick-off: 2pm
Centennial Park, Ngaruawahia
It’s sudden death for these teams as they play the second of the series to decide which of them fills the final place in this season’s Lotto NRFL second division.
The teams drew 2-2 at Papakura’s McLennan Park on Tuesday, setting up a thrilling finale in the Waikato.
Click here for story >>>>
Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Men’s A-League
Kick-off: 7.05pm (NZT)
Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Watch: Sky Sports 7
The Phoenix are chasing a place in the end-of-season play-offs and have been boosted by news they will be able to play two games in their own country this season.
The relaxation of COVID restrictions for outdoor events has opened the way for the Nix to come home.
Let’s hope they celebrate with a win against bottom-placed Perth Glory.
The Phoenix will be helped by the return of their All Whites, including World Cup goalscorers Clayton Lewis and Ben Waine.
Sunday
Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League
There are three games scheduled for the opening day of the season, with kick-off times at 1pm or 3pm.
Click here for our Lotto NRFL WPL preview >>>>
Hamilton Wanderers v Wellington United
Kate Sheppard Cup final
Kick-off: 2.30pm
North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Watch: Sky Sport NEXT
What better way to celebrate March’s Girls and Women’s Month than to attend the Kate Sheppard Cup final at North Harbour Stadium.
An easing of restrictions for outdoor gatherings means the match will no longer be held behind closed doors, and is open to spectators who display their MVP (My Vaccine Pass). Gates open at 2pm.
For those unable to get there, the game is being live-streamed by Sky Sport NEXT.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Women’s A-League grand final
Kick-off: 6.05pm
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Watch: Sky Sports 7
Finish the weekend with a juicy cup final between the best women’s teams in Australia.
Sydney FC will be looking for Football Fern speedster Paige Satchell to open up the Melbourne defence.
Melbourne’s Claudia Bunge — a Ferns teammate of Satchell — will have other ideas.
At least one Kiwi will be celebrating as the weekend comes to an end.
.. and don’t forget these
Northern Rovers are hosting a 3 v 3 mini Hungerball tournament for men’s over 45s before Saturday’s season opener against Albany United in the Lotto NRFL first division. The inflatable Hungerball arena is great fun. This event is supported by Friends of Football.
Manurewa are leaving nothing to chance for Saturday’s first game, against Ellerslie at Jellicoe Park.
To ensure the crowd is entertained, they’ve booked the University of Auckland Cheerleaders.
Finally, don’t stay up too late on Sunday as the All Whites will play in the semi-final of the Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying tournament early on Monday.
Yes, it will signal a new football week when we get to love being fans all over again …
Enjoy your football weekend!
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