New Zealand U-17 striker: ‘We want to make you proud and bring trophy home’

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New Zealand striker Luke Supyk says his team’s “sole focus” now is winning the OFC U-17 Championship final against New Caledonia, even though they have qualified for November’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru.

“Obviously, we are pleased with qualification and getting to Peru but our sole focus is winning the trophy and bringing it back to New Zealand,” the Wellington Phoenix academy player told OFC Media.

Supyk, who has scored six goals at the nine-nation tournament in Fiji, said he expected New Caledonia would play in a similar fashion in Saturday’s tournament final to what they produced in the opening pool game, won 3-2 by the New Zealanders.

“We’re expecting the same … nice and aggressive, good with the press.

“They don’t give you a lot of time so we’re expecting it’s going to be tough but I think we can get there in the game.”

Supyk said the team was grateful for the support it has been receiving by travelling fans but also from people in New Zealand.

“It’s great to know you’re watching and cheering us on from home, so we hope we can make you proud and take and take this trophy home,” he said.

Supyk scored a hat-trick in the tournament opener against New Caledonia.

Main photo: Luke Supyk (right) after scoring for New Zealand against New Caledonia in the pool game. Photo: Kirk Corrie / Phototek.

New Zealand go into the final as defending OFC champions and aiming to secure their eighth tournament title in a row.

Meanwhile, New Caledonia have been runners-up three times.

In 2017, they also met New Zealand in the final, losing 7-0.

The New Caledonians will pay tribute to 20-year-old footballer Ruben Katran, who captained his country at the 2019 championship, and who died on New Year’s Eve, in France.

Players and spectators will observe a minute’s silence before the final kicks off.