Week three of the season is upon us!

With the rain putting a dampener on mid-week trainings, everyone is hoping for the fields to be up to par on Saturday to play some good footy.

This week in the Southern Premier League we have Green Island AFC up against Caversham AFC.

GI head coach Shane Carvell is “expecting a tough battle,” saying Cavy is a “class side with a lot of talented players.”

Wanaka AFC have a home game vs. Roslyn Wakari, being able to turn their travel time into pre-game warm up at the Recreation Centre.

The team is “eager to right the wrongs of the last two weeks, and play to our strengths” describes Wanaka head coach Ian Bell.

“Barry Grehan and Alan Carmichael will strengthen the squad this weekend, with Danillo Santana showing his recent injury has healed well, his 30 minutes coming off the bench last week was a positive on the day.”

Bell understands the game against Roslyn will be another challenging encounter, where he has incorporated a few key focus points in this weeks training to improve the teams game, and hopefully secure three valuable points.

With Northern getting a beating last weekend, head coach Luiz Uehara said Queenstown has one of the best squads he has seen in decades.

Northern is still down a few players due to Covid-19 delays, and is being realistic about their chances this weekend against Mosgiel AFC. However, his positive attitude and love of the sport shines through saying “football can be a box of surprises!”.

Otago University AFC plays Queenstown this weekend at the home Football Turf. After Queenstown’s strong start to the season, and a lot of ball in net, it will be a game for Uni to step up after their bye last week.

Dunedin Technical AFC have a bye this weekend, only to be back on home soil next week against Northern.

In the Women’s Premier League Otago University 2nds had a rough game last week due to only being able to field eight players, dropping to seven after an early injury.

University did their best with the players they had available, and head coach Arnon Tapp is looking forward to the reverse fixture once he is back to a full squad.

This weekend Uni are up against Green Island AFC, and are still down many key players including Trinity Scott and Pia Davis.

“There is a great atmosphere during training sessions, everyone is working hard and pushing themselves” said Tapp.

“The team will continue to improve as the season goes on, and players get used to playing as a team.”

Roslyn Wakari are going into their game with confidence against Mosgiel AFC, after a great win last weekend. Head coach Hamish Philip is looking forward to the game, knowing with a handful of incredible players on the Mosgiel side, they will put up a good challenge.

“Overall our team bond following last week is at an all time high.” Philip commented.

“The girls are realizing the levels we can reach as a team together, and acting on them.”

With Sammy Murrell still out, and a few injuries around the team, Roslyn are still going into the weekend with high positivity.

Queenstown AFC are hosting their first home game to Otago University AFC after a long break from playing on home turf.

With large numbers at training, and everyone in high spirits, head coach Mark Ford is expecting a good challenge this Saturday.

“I am pleased to report we have a full squad to select from, and the players are looking sharp” Ford said.

Dunedin Technical AFC have a bye this weekend, back into it next week against Otago University 2nds.

All the best to all teams for this weekends fixtures – remember to play fair, play safe and have a good time!