Wellington United aim to spoil Eastern Suburbs’ run at Kate Sheppard Cup glory

Wellington United face a travel bill of up to $8,000 as they try to derail Eastern Suburbs’ efforts to reach the final of the Kate Sheppard Cup.

The Wellington team head to Auckland’s Madills Farm for their Sunday semi-final against Eastern Suburbs who are trying to clinch a history-making Kate Sheppard Cup-Chatham Cup double for the club.

Main photo: Wellington United won the COVID-delayed 2021 Kate Sheppard Cup, beating Hamilton Wanderers in the final in March 2022.

United coach Guillermo Schiltenwolf says being drawn as the away team for the semi-final meant travel costs of between $7,000 and $8,000 and he was grateful his club could raise the money to support the team.

He told NewstalkZB‘s All Sport Breakfast host D’Arcy Waldegrave:

“Since day one of pre-season, the girls’ main objective was to qualify for the semi-final and make it to the final.

“This is going to be our fourth semi-final, and we’re very excited and pleased.”

‘We know it’s going to be a tough game’

Schiltenwolf said preparation for the semi-final had gone well.

“We’re trying not to change a lot. Of course, I’m not going to tell you what we are changing, just in case, but we should try to get the girls fit, happy and focussed on the game.

United were aware they were playing one of the biggest clubs in the country, and Suburbs had many high-quality players.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game, but we are ready; we are ready to compete,” he said.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup was helping inspire his players, with them turning up to training with extra intensity after watching games, he said.

Eastern Suburbs and Wellington United have both won the Kate Sheppard Cup in recent years.

This year, the Suburbs’ men’s team have reached the semi-final of the Chatham Cup, opening the way for a men’s and women’s cup double, something not achieved before in New Zealand.

READ MORE: Eastern Suburbs eye historic double after extra time win in Chatham Cup >>>>

Meanwhile, in the second semi-final, Western Springs host Christchurch club Coastal Spirit who have also faced a hefty travel bill to get to the match.

Both semi-finals will be live-streamed by NZ Football’s YouTube channel.

Listen to Guillermo Schiltenwolf interview

Fixtures

Games to be played on Sunday August 13, 2023

Kate Sheppard Cup

Semi-finals

Eastern Suburbs v Wellington United
Madills Farm, St Heliers, 2pm

Western Springs v Coastal Spirit
Seddon Fields, Westmere, 2pm

All the past winners — Kate Sheppard Cup

The Kate Sheppard Cup is supported by the NZ Football Foundation.

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