 Wellington United's coaches Rapha Christians & Mike Roxburgh /TJF Photos Words WUAFC Media
Rapha Christians is a South African born Kiwi who has had extensive coaching experience around the world including in Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, USA with Columbus Crew, Iceland with IBV, several US colleges and in New Zealand with the one and only Wellington United. It was Wellington United that bought him to New Zealand in 2011 and he took on their reserve team, who were without a win after the first five games of the season, he turned them around and won promotion. His last spell at Wellington United was in 2014 when he was 1st team coach and finished 4th in Capital Premier. Rapha will be assisted by Mike Roxburgh who has been with Wellington United since the early 90s and has played for the Superclub, Central League and the mighty Masters team, the Dreamers, before moving into coaching and has worked with Rapha since he arrived in New Zealand. So, Rapha what have you been doing since you left us? As well as working for the Ministry of Education as a day job, Myself and Mike have been doing some consulting work in the sport and recreation area on an international basis and I have also been working as a goalkeeping coach. (Rapha has coached the likes of Scott Basalaj & Liam Wood) We’re not hiding the fact that being coach of Wellington United will be a very challenging role this season, so what made you decide to take it on? The Challenge!, Wellington United are a club that I’ve always been with since coming to New Zealand. I’m good friends with Mumby (our chairman Anthony Mumby) and when he discussed the opportunity with me, I saw it would be difficult but really believe that I will be able to do something in the role. What are you hoping for from this season? As you said it’s no surprise that this will be a challenging role this season, building a team from scratch. I’m hoping to build a team that will be very competitive and produce more than people will expect on the football field. Well thanks for your time we’re looking forward to a great season NB Wellington United are continuing to build squad depth for the 2019 MCL Campaign, and we invite additional players keen on playing Men’s Central League football this year to join our weekly training sessions every Tuesday and Thursday 6pm to 8pm on Newtown 2. Successful squad members will receive excellent training sessions at quality facilities (Newtown Park and Wakefield artificial), and a superbly supportive club environment to enjoy your season and develop your game further with us If you’re interested contact Rapha at [email protected] ENDS Comments are closed.
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