Globe-trotting Bright set sights on UAE quest

dubai — There are journeyman footballers, and then there is Kris Bright.

To say the New Zealander has experienced more in his career than most would be a massive understatement. Indeed his career odyssey reads more like a multipart travel documentary than a football resume. Sixteen clubs, 11 countries and four continents over a dozen years, including nations as diverse as Finland, Malta, India and South Africa.

Now Bright is set for another stamp on his passport, and yet another new horizon. The forward will be a key member of the Auckland City side when they venture to the UAE in December for their latest tilt at the Fifa Club World Cup.

“My least favourite thing to do is to travel,” Bright revealed to FIFA.com. “I hate flying, driving and going from A to B. I love A and B, but I hate everything in between.

“The highs were high, but the lows were very low,” adds Bright, reflecting on his experiences. “I could have given up but I was driven to keep playing.”

“Sometimes it was great, and very exciting. Everyone thinks it is kind of glamorous, But it is tough as well. Making good friends and losing them again is tough. The problems aren’t really on the field, more so off it.

“My wife and I agree that our two favourite experiences were India and South Africa. If people just go with the flow in India, and accept it for what it is, they will have a great time. The people, and the food and the sights and smells, are unbelievable.”

It is perhaps little surprise that Bright’s career — which includes five caps for New Zealand — has featured so many twists and turns. Auckland City are regulars at the Club World Cup, and are set for a record ninth campaign in the UAE.

Despite their semi-professional status, the Navy Blues have more than held their own, memorably coming third in 2014 after pushing Copa Libertadores winners San Lorenzo to the brink in the semifinal. Auckland will open this year’s tournament with a match-up against local side Al Jazira.

My wife and I agree that our two favourite experiences were India and South Africa

Kris Bright, Kiwi footballer