Maxine Cooper had a memorable 2024 season, winning the Women’s Ford Futsal Superleague with Capital Futsal and being part of the New Zealand squad that claimed the Oceania title, securing a spot at the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

The new Superleague season kicks off tomorrow, with BOP Surge facing Waikato Rapids at 9:00AM and 1:00PM. Meanwhile, Capital Futsal will begin their title defence on 16 February in the Central Home Series at Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North. Cooper shares her thoughts on the competition, where her side will aim to go back-to-back.

With the historic Women’s Futsal World Cup set to begin in the Philippines on 21 November, she also acknowledges the added motivation it brings for players across the league - raising the stakes for what promises to be an intensely competitive season.

How are you preparing for the start of the Superleague?

"Our squad began preparations last year. We have a huge squad that’s filled with talented players, which has resulted in high-quality training sessions and plenty of competition within the team for selection each week."

Which teams do you think are the favourites to compete for the title?

"I’d have to back us first, of course! But last year, Papakura City x NRF were strong, well-organised and difficult to break down, so I think they’ll be serious contenders. Canterbury United Pride are always very competitive and tough to beat as well."

Is it extra pressure or motivation to come in as the reigning champions?

"Definitely! There’s always added pressure as the reigning champions - teams will come at you ready for a fight. But that’s also extra motivation for us and part of what makes the tournament so exciting!"

Who do you think will be the best players in the tournament this year?

"Zoe Barrett from Capital is definitely someone to watch this year. She was outstanding last season and has only been improving. Milla Green is also an incredibly talented player - very crafty in the pivot role. Outside of Capital, Jamie Evans (from Waikato) had a great debut for the Ferns last year, and I think she’ll be a standout in this Superleague season."

Is it extra motivation knowing that the first-ever Women’s Futsal World Cup will take place at the end of the year?

"Absolutely! Having the World Cup to aim for at the end of the year is a huge motivation for so many of the players. It’s incredibly exciting that our country will be part of the first-ever Women’s Futsal World Cup, and a lot of players in the Superleague will be pushing to make that squad—so that’s a big driving force."

How do you picture yourself with your team at the end of the season?

"Hopefully, as back-to-back national champions!"

Capital Futsal will kick off their season against Palmerston North on 16 February, with matches at 10:00AM and 2:00PM. You can watch these games, along with every match of the Ford Futsal Superleague, live and free on FIFA+: https://www.plus.fifa.com/en/showcase/151c4b74-bdbc-48c0-b0ec-eafa6726f214

Article added: Saturday 08 February 2025