WaiBop snare exciting striker
Have WaiBop United landed the topdrawer goal-poacher they’ve been seeking?
The ASB Premiership franchise have made the most intriguing signing in their short history by picking up 2013 O-League top-scorer Sanni Issa.
The 23-year-old Nigerian scored nine goals in eight games for Fiji’s Ba FC last year, then represented Vanuatu’s Amicale FC in the 2014 Oceania Football Confederation Champions League – playing in the home and away final that his side lost 3-2 on aggregate to Auckland City.
WaiBop United coach Peter Smith said he was thrilled to get the services of the quicksilver frontman, who still needs to get the appropriate visitors’ visa to be allowed to play in New Zealand.
‘‘I saw Sanni play against Auckland City in the final of the 2014 Champions League and was impressed with his pace and ability,’’ he said.
‘‘On top of that, he clearly knows where the back of the net is.
‘‘He has an excellent record in the Champions League over the last couple of seasons and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the ASB Premiership. Goals win you games and having Sanni in our team will help us win games.’’
Issa joins midfielder Chad Coombes and defender Tom Probert as early signings for the WaiBop side that finished sixth in their debut Premiership cam- paign last summer.
‘‘I’ve managed to build up a good relationship with a number of people at a number of clubs, not only within the WaiBop region,’’ Smith said.
‘‘We have a good scouting network and I think it also helps that I’ve been out and about all winter, looking at players and meeting key people at clubs throughout New Zealand.
‘‘Sanni’s signing is a direct result of that work.’’
Hamilton Wanderers striker Federico Marquez could also be an option for Smith. The Uruguayan played for Canterbury United last season after initially signing for WaiBop.
ian.anderson@fairfaxmedia.co.nz