He was born in South Africa and has developed much of his footballing talent in Australia, but Storm Roux is in no doubt that he’s a Kiwi through and through.
He was born in South Africa and has developed much of his footballing talent in Australia, but Storm Roux is in no doubt that he-s a Kiwi through and through.
Yesterday Roux was selected for his first ever senior New Zealand squad for the All Whites- 2014 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoff with Mexico later this month.
Roux reckons the hairs on the back of his neck will stand on end when the New Zealand anthem plays should he step out for Ricki Herbert-s men at the Estadio Azteca next week, or against El Tricolor at Wellington-s Westpac Stadium in the second leg on November 20.
“I was raised in New Zealand and I am very proud to be a Kiwi, and will be very proud to represent the All Whites if I get a chance,” Roux said. “I am originally from South Africa and I moved to New Zealand when I was really young. Eventually I moved over to Perth, but I grew up in New Zealand.”
“I got the opportunity through the (New Zealand) under 20 team, and I was very grateful for that opportunity. I went over to the under 20 World Cup with them and I loved it.”
“I am very excited to be picked in the team, and excited to get my chance. I am improving under Arnie (Graham Arnold) and obviously Ricki (Herbert) has seen my game and he-s liked what he-s seen,” he said.
Roux will be joined in camp for the decisive FIFA World Cup playoff by his Club teammate, midfield maestro Michael McGlinchey.
The Cape Town-born youngster believes having the experienced McGlinchey alongside him throughout his first senior international tour will prove invaluable. And, he thinks the All Whites have what it takes to push the highly regarded Mexicans both in Central America and in the land of the long white cloud.
“Mikey is a great player and a great person as well. It will be good to have in camp as a familiar face,” he said.
“I think we-ve got a good shot (against Mexico). Obviously we will be playing infront of a hostile crowd in a massive stadium – over 100,000 people are going to be there – so it-s going to be a big challenge for us but I think we will fare well.”
“We arrive in LA (Los Angeles) and head down to Mexico for the game. We go back to Wellington and play on our home turf, and hopefully we can get the results.”
Representing the All Whites against Mexico over the next fortnight would continue Roux-s rapid rise as a professional, with the 20-year-old having played just five Hyundai A-League fixtures so far in his career.
Nevertheless, his form this season has been über impressive, with Arnold, teammates, and media alike having praised the former Perth Glory Youth product for his performances.
“Obviously it-s an honour when Arnie says nice things about me,” he said. “A lot of youth has come through the Mariners and done well and gone overseas. For him to say I have performed well gives me confidence,” he concluded.
