Wellington Phoenix will host a pre-season game against Hyundai A-League champions Brisbane Roar in Dunedin on August 20.
“The opposition you meet pre-season is really important and I wanted to start against a team that finished high up last season,” said Wellington Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert.
“It is a real bonus to be hosting Brisbane because they had an exciting season and I’m sure they will be looking to build on what they achieved as another season looms.”
The match will kick-off at 5.30pm local time and will take place at the new Forsyth Barr Stadium, which is also in the running to host the Phoenix-Roar regional round game on December 14. The 30,000-seat stadium is due to be completed on August 1.
“Dunedin hasn’t had an opportunity to host international football or a professional team for some time so it is good we are going there,” Herbert said.
“Given the exploits of the 2010 All Whites, it is an opportunity for South Island fans, young and old, to watch the likes of Mark Paston, Tim Brown, Ben Sigmund, Tony Lochhead and Leo Bertos in action.”
“Add in the likes of Paul Ifill and Daniel, along with the quality Brisbane possess, and it has the potential to be a real spectacle.”
“It is a tough challenge first up but I am really looking forward to it.”
The Phoenix will then travel to Shepparton for a game against Melbourne Heart on August 26.
