College footballers receive NZ call-up - finally

Two Marlborough Boys’ College footballers have experienced the ups and downs of national selection – all before they have even kicked a ball for their country.

Caleb McAulay and Jeimar Zapata were recently named in the New Zealand secondary schools under-16 representative side which will tour Malaysia during the July school holidays, their selection a first for Marlborough.

The lads attended a regional trial in Nelson, then a final trial in Auckland to finalise the team and returned home with high hopes of being chosen, which they were, but not before experiencing an unlikely rollercoaster of emotions.

Sixteen-year-old Caleb, a year 12 student, takes up the story.

“In early February we all got an email [from NZ Football] saying we didn’t make the squad, so I was naturally pretty disappointed that I missed out. Then we got another email soon after saying it was a big mistake and I had actually made the team. So, my day went from really bad to being shocked and excited.”

Jeimar, 15, said he felt confused after getting the first email, “because I thought I did alright at the trials”, but was mighty relieved when the second email dropped a few hours later and he was able to celebrate selection with his family.

Neither of the duo have represented their country previously and are keen to bring their individual skills to the mix.

MBC year 11 student Jeimar, a right winger or attacking midfielder, says, “I like to dribble the ball past defenders and am always trying to score goals”, while Caleb, a centre back or right wing back, is a reliable and tenacious defender.

Both lads have stepped up their preparation in readiness for the trip, including a training session every morning for Jeimar.

The teens are also getting some invaluable matchplay under their belt, both playing for the Rangers AFC side which competes in the Nelson division one senior men’s league.

Last season the lads turned out for the Marlborough Boys’ College First XI and played club football for Rangers, so the step up to the premier top of the south club competition is timely.

“It is good playing against older men and it will test my ability,” said Caleb. “I’m used to playing against kids my age so this is a much better challenge physically.”

Jeimar agreed. “The Rangers games are really physical and I think I will improve a lot. It will be a great build-up for the trip to Malaysia. I will notice the difference I am sure when I go back down to playing against boys of my age again.”

Both lads declaring that avoiding an injury is very a priority before making their national debut, but agreed that they cannot think about that scenario and will continue to play as hard as they can before departure.

However, visions of a shirt with a silver fern on it will not be far from the minds of this ground-breaking duo for the next few months.