The first of three men’s Futsal SuperLeague 2020 Series kicks off this Halloween weekend in Wellington, with players and fans fizzing to get underway. 

“Everyone’s just keen for sport after the lockdowns. The Futsal community is super keen to get the high level competition going, and we should see some great play and loud crowds,” said NZF Futsal Competitions Manager Keegan McCauley.

“People call it the Futsal family. It’s a young community, a new community and everyone’s keen to see it progress, develop and keep growing.”

While the 2020 women’s competition was completed before the March lockdowns, the men have had to wait for their turn. COVID-19 restrictions mean this year’s competition is reduced to one round robin, but everyone involved is delighted to be playing and keen to get underway. 

“We’ve been through contingency planning and consulting with the Federations on competitions options and availability to see what’s possible. It’s definitely not been easy, but the Sport NZ funding was a huge boost, and now we’ve landed this format, we’re going full steam ahead.”

“I fully recommend coming to watch or tuning in to the livestream. We know what an exciting sport it can be and you’ll see why it’s one of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand,” said Keegan.  

Teams to watch 

Overall, every team is strong, the competition is going to be close. There’s been some player movement and eligibility has opened up a bit this year, with some teams coming in with a different look. 

2019 champions Waikato Rapids are back and keen to defend their title under the reigns of Futsal Coach Of The Year Sam Masterson. 

Traditionally strong teams Northern Comets and Southern United are always there or thereabouts and will be strong again. 

Auckland City FC will be competing this year, it’s great to see that progress and collaboration with the Auckland Football Federation, it’ll be something different for fans this year.

Capital Futsal are looking strong, and will be looking to push through that final hurdle after falling just short in previous years.  

Follow at home

All games are being live streamed this year through the NZF Futsal Facebook page, to it’ll be easy to follow along from home. 

Main commentator Mark Matsas, who’s attracted throngs of fans on Twitter, will be doing the whole series, alongside some local talent from the three hosting Federations. 

“It’s not your traditional football commentary, they like to express themselves, and we’ve given them licence to talk it up,” said Keegan.  

Futsal SuperLeague format 

• Three SuperLeague rounds – Southern, Northern, Finals
• Southern Series
  • 31 October – 1 November 
  • ASB Sports Centre, Wellington
    • Canterbury United Futsal Dragons
    • Central Futsal
    • Capital Futsal
    • Southern United Futsal 
• Northern Series
  • 7-8 November 
  • The Peak, Rototuna, Hamilton
    • Waikato Rapids
    • Northern Comets 
    • Auckland City FC
    • Bay of Plenty Surge 
• National and Finals Series 
  • Bruce Pulman Arena, Auckland 
  • 20-22 November 
    • All teams 

Players to watch 

Northern Comets – Futsal Whites Mo Sabri and Oban Hawkins, who’s moved from Southern United. 

Auckland City FC – 2019 Men’s Futsal Player Of The Year, Futsal White and premiership regular Dylan Manickum should be a stand out. 

Bay of Plenty Surge – Jay Silcock, a young player who’s been an outstanding performer. 

Waikato Rapids – Returning Futsal Whites include Jordie Ditfort as well as former All White Aaron Scott.

Central Futsal – Player / coach Adam Cowan who debuted for the Futsal Whites last year at the OFC nations cup, he’ll be a big asset for them. 

Capital Futsal - Recruited Futsal Whites Kareem Osman and Tai Barham, who’s moved from Central, and they’ll be looking to push through that final hurdle. 

Canterbury United Futsal Dragons – Benji Lapslie, who’s back from playing in the men’s Premiership this year. 

Southern United Futsal – Former league MVP Mike Sannum – consistent stalwart for United. 

Keep up 

NZF Futsal Facebook – watch all matches live streamed

Draws, results and standings

Article added: Thursday 29 October 2020