But he is still hoping to get one over his old employers in the ASB Trans Tasman Cup in Auckland next month.
The Futsal Whites host the Futsalroos at ASB Stadium in Kohimarama on September 21, 22 and 23 as the Australians prepare for November’s FIFA Futsal World Cup in Thailand and New Zealand rebuild with an eye on the 2016 event.
Gilligan, who coached Australia in four matches against New Zealand during his seven-year stint at the helm, says he knows a trans-Tasman contest will bring the best out of his charges.
“Australia have qualified for a World Cup out of an extremely tough Asian confederation so we already know they are one of the best 24 teams in the world,” he says.
“If I know their mindset they will be heading to Thailand with the aim of winning every game they play. It will be a baptism of fire for some of our players but one thing I remember from my time coaching sides against New Zealand is that Kiwis find another gear when they play Australia.”
Gilligan’s first squad since taking over as New Zealand coach has a fresh feel to it with seven uncapped players among the 15-man group selected from over 90 players that were invited to attend training camps following the ASB Futsal National League and ASB Youth Championship.
The newcomers feature four teenagers, including 16-year-olds Harvey Mills and Jan Fisher from Northern Futsal, and 17-year-old Elliott Collier from Hamilton.
Even 2011 New Zealand Futsal Player of the Year Dylan Manickum, a regular in the national team for the past two years, is still only 20.
“We’ve got an eye on the future as qualifying for the 2016 FIFA Futsal World Cup is the ultimate aim,” Gilligan says.
“However, as futsal is really starting to get a foothold in the country and football clubs around the country are now behind the sport, we need to put up a credible performance against Australia to show that groundswell of support from players, community organisations and commercial partners that we are making progress.
“The young players are there on merit but we’ve balanced their inclusion with the experience of proven players who have got plenty more to contribute.
“We’re taking a long-term approach for the next four years. We have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup and we must mould a side that is firstly capable of qualifying.”
The ASB Trans Tasman Cup matches will form part of a futsal showcase at the Auckland venue with exhibition games for junior and youth players taking place and international players holding “have-a-go” sessions with those wanting to try out the sport.
Admission to any of the matches is $10 per game or $15 for all three. Students and under-20s get in free.
Futsal Whites squad for ASB Trans Tasman Cup
Tai BARHAM (Central Futsal)
Daniel BURNS (Mainland Futsal)
Elliot COLLIER (WAIBOP-Futsal)
Lucas CORDEIRO DA SILVA (Capital Futsal)
Marvin EAKINS (captain) (AFF-Futsal)
Bakr AL-SAUDI (AFF-Futsal)
Jan FISCHER (Northern Futsal)
Mickey MALIVUK (Capital Futsal)
Miro MAJOR (AFF-Futsal)
Dylan MANICKUM (AFF-Futsal)
Harvey MILLS (Northern Futsal)
David PLOWRIGHT (GK) (Capital Futsal)
Michael SANNUM (Futsal South)
Jakub SINKORA (Mainland Futsal)
James VAUGHAN (AFF-Futsal)
One player (goalkeeper) to be added
Coach: Scott GILLIGAN
ASB Trans Tasman Cup
New Zealand v Australia
ASB Stadium, Kohimarama, Auckland
Match One: Friday 21 September, 7.30pm
Match Two: Saturday 22 September, 7.30pm
Match Three: Sunday 23 September, noon
Admission:
Adults – $10 per game / $15 for all three
Students and under-20s free entry
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand Football visit www.nzfootball.co.nz

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