U17 World Cup: NZ land early to deal with weather
MUMBAI: Having arrived two weeks ahead of the World Cup to get acclimatised to the conditions, the New Zealand U-17s are confident that their experience in hot and humid Tahiti will hold them in good stead.
They arrived on Friday and coach Danny Hay mentioned the stark difference in temperatures.
New Zealand, located in the southern hemisphere which is witnessing the winter season, boasts of an average temperature between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during this season.
The current temperature in Mumbai is at least 15 degrees higher.
“We know that we will take some time to get acclimatised to it and that’s the reality.
“The heat and humidity is going to affect us, but it’s going to be like that for all the teams,” said Hay. New Zealand qualified for the World Cup on the back of their continental (Oceania Football Confederation) title in Tahiti earlier this year.
Tahiti’s weather is somewhat similar to Mumbai’s. And their performance in Tahiti, that saw them win all five matches, gives Hay hope. “We had a qualifying campaign in Tahiti, which had similar conditions– high heat and humidity.
“We have proven that we can perform in these conditions but of course this is the World Cup and the quality of players we are going to face will be better,” revealed the former All Whites skipper. Hay also said that the early arrival will ensure his team sufficient time to train together. “The other thing is to get our players together and try and give them a couple of good quality games before the tournament. Because, as compared to some of the other nations participating in this tournament, we don’t get to see our players as often,” said Hay. New Zealand will gear up to take on Brazil, on September 28, and England, on October 1, in two warm-up matches.
“Geographically, it’s difficult and expensive to bring the players together. We don’t have a national base or academy as
NEW ZEALAND HAS AN AVERAGE TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 10 TO 20 DEGREES CELSIUS. THE CURRENT TEMPERATURE IN MUMBAI IS AT LEAST 15 DEGREES HIGHER
such. So the opportunity to bring players together is something we relish,” he added.