A major coup for the Wellington Phoenix.

The Phoenix have secured the signature of Nepal women’s captain Sabitra Bhandari for the next two Ninja A-League seasons.

Bhandari, 29, has been a prolific goal scorer for both club and country.

The striker, popularly known as Samba, has scored 66 goals in 60 matches for Nepal, including remarkably netting three hat-tricks in three matches in the recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification tournament.

She found the back of the net more than 60 times in just 24 matches in the Indian Women’s Super League, helping secure a move to En Avant Guingamp in France, where last year she became the first Nepalese player to play and score in a top European league.

Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd believes the Phoenix have signed “a proven goal scorer of exceptional calibre”.

“We are proud to welcome Sabitra to the Phoenix whānau and look forward to the impact she will make both on and off the field,” Shepherd said.

“She has demonstrated her abilities against some of the best players in the world in France, and brings a wealth of international experience and attacking prowess to our squad.

“Sabitra is a national icon in Nepal and the country’s all-time leading goal scorer, and her leadership, experience, and on-field excellence will be invaluable both on and off the pitch.

“Her natural movement, intelligent link-up play, and clinical finishing are qualities we believe will significantly enhance our effectiveness in the final third. Her presence promises to add a new dimension to our attacking play.

“Beyond her footballing talents, Sabitra’s inspiring journey, determination, and deep love for the game resonate strongly with the values of our club.

“Her story is one our fans — both long-time supporters and newcomers — will undoubtedly connect with.”

Sabitra Bhandari can’t wait to get to Wellington for the start of pre-season training in September.

“I am really excited to come to the Phoenix, score lots of goals and make the fans super happy,” Bhandari said.

“When I heard about the Phoenix’s ambitions for next season, it was easy for me to make the decision to join.”

Sabitra Bhandari is the 17^th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2025-26 A-League, with further signings and re-signings to follow in the coming weeks.

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The Wellington Phoenix feature heavily in the New Zealand squad to compete in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship.

With eight academy players named, the Nix are the biggest contributors to the side looking to defend their title in the Solomon Islands. 

Joseph Chalabi, Jack Clegg, Willem Des Tombe, Cailean Hamilton, Marley Hunt, Joe McIntyre, Cruz Pietersen, and Ben Trenberth are the Phoenix players involved. 

Chalabi, Des Tombe, Hamilton, McIntyre, and Christchurch International Cup MVP Trenberth all also featured for the New Zealand U16s in the FIFA Youth Series in May, where they finished second.

U16 All Whites head coach Martin Bullock says that the squad represents a new cycle for the team.

“It is great to give opportunities to a number of new players to test themselves at international level, as well as reward some players who took part in the FIFA Youth Series in May.

“I’m now looking forward to getting over to the Solomon Islands and getting to work with this group.” 

New Zealand have been drawn in Group B at the tournament alongside New Caledonia, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.

The team will open against Samoa on 18 August 2025 at 1pm NZT, before facing New Caledonia on 21 August 2025 at 1pm NZT, and Solomon Islands on 24 August 2025 at 4pm NZT.

All games will be streamed live and free on FIFA+. 

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Grace Jale is the latest Kiwi to recommit to the Wellington Phoenix.

The Football Fern has re-signed with the Phoenix for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League season, following fellow forward Emma Main and centre back Mackenzie Barry in extending her stay in Wellington.

It will be Jale’s third campaign with the Nix, having been part of the inaugural women’s team in 2021-22 before returning last year after two seasons away.

She made 21 appearances for the Phoenix during the 2024-25 A-League, scoring two goals, and says she has unfinished business in the capital.

“Last year I returned to do a job and that didn’t happen and I’m not going to leave until that job is done,” Jale said.

“Winning was the ultimate goal but everyone’s more realistic goal was to make the finals and see where we could go from there.

“Despite falling short, I loved last season. There was a lot of learning and growth for me on and off the field, so I’m happy to be back.”

She expects to return to the Phoenix a more confident player, having worked on the mental side of her game with the club’s staff.

“Now I know what I can bring and with my experience, it’s going to be my fifth year in the A-League, I know what to expect in the league and at the club.

“The familiarity is comforting, and I can just focus on performing really.”

The 35-cap Fern showcased her versatility last season, even deputising in the centre of midfield at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

“There was definitely some getting used to it and the first game I played there was against Melbourne City, so it was a bit of a thrown under the bus kind of situation, but I actually loved it.

“I enjoyed getting on the ball more, being able to control the pace and flow of the game and I just loved being in the middle.

“There’s more action and I can use my height and strength more.”

Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd says re-signing Jale, Barry and Main shows that securing top Kiwi talent remains a key strategic focus for the club.

“These signings are not only vital to our on-field success but also demonstrate our dedication to supporting the growth and development of our players on both domestic and international stages,” Shepherd said.

“Grace brings exceptional technical skill, athleticism, and versatility to the squad. They are attributes that will be crucial in what promises to be a significant season for the club.

“Her wealth of experience at both domestic and international levels makes her a key contributor on and off the field.

“We remain committed to supporting her ambitions with the Football Ferns as she sets her sights on Brazil 2027.” 

Grace Jale is the 16^th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2025-26 A-League, with further re-signings and signings to follow in the coming weeks.

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Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano has a new right-hand man.

Brazilian Kelly Guimarães has been appointed Italiano’s lead assistant coach for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League season.

Guimarães has been an assistant coach for the past decade, spending time with the likes of Paranaense, Corinithians and Grêmio in Brazil, after a successful 19-year playing career which included stints in Spain, Japan and the U.A.E.

Italiano believes he will be the perfect fit.

“Kelly’s an amazing character that I trust wholeheartedly,” he said. “He is the most upbeat guy you would want to have in your staff and changing room.

“And he has a wealth of experience, having played and coached at big clubs.”

Kelly Guimarães will join the Phoenix once he obtains his New Zealand work visa and he can’t wait to get started.

“I’m very happy and very excited to be joining the Wellington Phoenix,” Guimarães said. “It’s going to be a new challenge for me, but I believe it will be a great experience.

“I have heard a lot of beautiful things about New Zealand and Giancarlo has updated me about football in the country.

“I have a lot of experience as a footballer and as a coach and I believe I can add a lot to the Wellington Phoenix staff.

“Talking to Giancarlo we have a similar idea about how we’d like the team to play; with intensity, aggression and dominating possession.

“Together we’re going to help the team play really well and have a great season.”

His first job upon arrival in Wellington will be to build a connection with the players so he can act as a conduit between them and Italiano.

“The assistant coach needs to be very close with the players so they can act as an intermediary between them and the head coach.

“I know Giancarlo has a good relationship with the players but maybe sometimes the players think you can’t talk to the head coach because he’s the boss.

“This is a very important job for an assistant coach, but we also have to be another set of eyes for the head coach.

“The head coach has a lot of things to think about, to plan and to organise and sometimes the assistant coach can see something that helps the coach.”

Guimarães is also looking forward to learning about how football is played in the A-League and is hoping he can bring a bit of Brazil to the Phoenix.

“In Brazil as a footballer and coach I have learned the players need the freedom to play and use their creativity.

“I think we’re going to motivate the players to be free and create.

“Of course they will respect the team’s tactical plans, but they will be free to create and to make something different.

“I think Brazilian football is known throughout the world because Brazilian footballers always have something different to show.”

Kelly Guimarães’ appointment means there’s just one role to be filled in the Wellington Phoenix men’s coaching staff, with a lead analyst/second assistant to be appointed in the near future.

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The Wellington Phoenix have made a major splash with their first men’s signing for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League.

The Phoenix have signed Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Eze to lead the men’s attack in the upcoming season.
Eze, 26, is coming off a standout campaign for Al-Karkh SC in the Iraq Stars League, where he scored 15 goals and provided five assists for a team that finished 14^th.

Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano has hailed Eze as a fantastic signing for the club.

“He has all of the attributes I was looking for in an attacker,” Italiano said. “He can score goals, he’s very fast, he can dribble at pace and his intention is to always go forward.

“Eze’s got this nice instinct where as soon as he gets around the 18-yard box he’s looking to shoot or create. He can also link quite well.

“And the most important thing for me is he’s a really, really good person.”

He believes Eze’s goals in the Iraq Stars League can translate to the A-League.

“The leagues are very similar in terms of rankings in Asia.

“The Iraqi league is a little bit more transitional and a bit different to the A-League, but the fact that he scored 15 goals and had five assists in a team that was down the bottom is very impressive.

“And stylistically he suits the way I want to play.”

Ifeanyi Eze will join the Phoenix once he obtains his New Zealand work visa and he can’t wait to meet his new teammates.

“The earlier I get to Wellington the better,” Eze said.

“I hope everything goes fast and smoothly so I can join the team for the pre-season and start to play.

“Getting to know everyone, the tactics, my teammates and how they play will be very helpful to me.”

The left-footed striker is also determined to prove himself to the club’s supporters.

“One thing that I can assure the fans is that they’re going to see a hard worker.

“They’re going to see someone who is dedicated to give the best for the team, put in everything he’s got and is open to learning more to add to what he’s got to give the team the best that he can.

“I know everyone wants a player who can score goals and help the team…but I don’t want to talk too much about that.

“I like doing my talking on the field and they should be ready for Eze!”

Eze will wear the no.7 shirt vacated by Kosta Barbarouses and knows he has big boots to fill replacing a player who scored 13 and 10 goals in the past two seasons.

“I respect him for what he has done at the Wellington Phoenix. It’s not easy to score double figure goals in a season.

“But on the other hand I’m coming to Wellington to do something better as well.

“Everyone has to be optimistic with their career and what they want to achieve.”

The Wellington Phoenix now have 19 men’s players contracted for the 2025-26 season and have filled four of the five visa spots.

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Madison Sharkey has been named in the U16 Football Ferns squad to compete in the OFC Women’s Championship next month in Samoa.

The tournament doubles as qualifying for the U17 World Cup to take place next year.

Sharkey has been a regular member of the U18 Phoenix women’s side playing in the Central League this season, and will now get a chance to feature for her country.

New Zealand will begin their title defence against Tonga on 2 August 2025, before facing Solomon Islands on 5 August and American Samoa on 8 August.

Academy head of female development Callum Holmes is delighted for Sharkey.

“We are very proud to have Maddy part of the NZ U16 team, it’s a testament to her hard work,” he said.

“We are looking forward to seeing her perform on the international stage.

“It’s important we continue to develop players for not only our first team but also for our national teams.

“We hope to see more players selected for international teams across all age groups in the future.”

Cover photo credit: AW Media

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A mixed weekend for the Wellington Phoenix academy. 

There was a tough loss for the men’s reserves against Miramar Rangers. 

Despite leading 2-1 after a Luke Flowerdew brace, Miramar came back to win 3-2, aided by two second-half red cards for the Phoenix. 

However, the women’s U18 side had an emphatic win in the Central League, hammering Victoria University 6-0. 

Bridie Christie and Amelie McClintock both doubled up, while Leonora Webb and Eliza Vincent also got on the scoresheet.

The women’s reserves were held at home by Wellington Olympic, Ella McMillan’s late equaliser securing a 1-1 draw.

The U18 men also shared the points in a 3-3 thriller against Miramar. Philip Azevedo nabbed two, with Luqman Ibrahim scoring the other. 

The third draw of the weekend belonged to the U16 boys, Cooper Davidson netting in another 1-1 stalemate. 

The U16 girls fell to Upper Hutt City 4-1, Matilda Smith scoring a consolation goal. 

But both U15 and U14 boys enjoyed big victories over Te Kotahitanga. 

The U15s won 8-1, a Sam Kiore hattrick plus braces for Harry Grosso and Charlie Farac, and one for Joseph Matthews sealing a crushing scoreline.

And the U14s were led by a Tristan Bancroft brace to win 3-1, with the other being an own goal.

This weekend, the women’s reserves have an intra-club derby against the U15 boys, while both U18s sides and the U16 girls play Petone.

The U16 boys will face Seatoun AFC.

Cover photo credit: AW Media

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The Wellington Phoenix have parted ways with Zoe McMeeken.

The athletic fullback has been an integral member of the Phoenix women’s team since it was established in 2021 and is one of only three players to have played 50 Ninja A-League games for the club.

McMeeken, 21, featured 19 times for the Nix last season and scored her maiden A-League goal against Sydney FC in December.

Director of football Shaun Gill has thanked McMeeken for her contribution to the club.

“Zoe has been a popular member of the team since she started the women’s very first game as a 17-year-old,” Gill said.

“She has achieved a lot at the Phoenix since and is in a rare group to have played a half century of A-League matches, and has represented New Zealand at two FIFA U-20 World Cups.

“Zoe has also been a key player for the women’s reserves and was influential in their run to the semi-finals of last year’s Kate Sheppard Cup.

“We wish here all the best with the next step in her football career.”

McMeeken has expressed gratitude to the club.

“Thanks so much to the Phoenix for the past four years,” she said. “You helped me grow as a person and a player.

“I’m excited to take what I’ve learned to a new environment to push myself overseas even further.”

The Phoenix can also confirm fellow former New Zealand age-group international Amelia Abbott has not been offered a new contract for the 2025-26 A-League.

Abbott made four substitute appearances for the Nix last season, having joined the team in December after finishing her final exam at the University of Texas.

“Thank you so much to the Phoenix,” she said. “I’m grateful to have met such a great group of people.

“I wish them all the best for the upcoming season. Up the Nix!”

The club also wishes Abbott all the best for the next step in her football career.

The Wellington Phoenix have 15 players contracted for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League season and plan to make further squad announcements over the coming weeks.

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Dynasty Sport has paid homage to the Wellington Phoenix’s past in designing the men’s home strip for the 2025-26 Isuzu UTE A-League.

The first kit unveiled by the club’s new apparel partner sees a return to our traditional yellow and black striped shirt and black shorts made famous by the Phoenix’s first finals team.

The new replica men’s shirt is available for purchase from the club’s new online store now.

Entelar Group is the front-of-shirt sponsor for the Phoenix men this season, with New Zealand’s total connection company returning as one of the club’s principal partners.

The Entelar Group logo will also proudly feature on the women’s two alternate away strips, which will be unveiled in September closer to the start of the Ninja A-League season.

And in partnership with the Phoenix, Entelar is committed to supporting the technology needs of local schools and community football clubs across Te Whanganui-a-Tara and beyond.

Entelar Group CEO Rajesh Singh says they’re proud to feature on the front of the home kit this season and continue their partnership with OPPO as the club’s principal partners.

“This iconic jersey reflects both tradition and progress – values that resonate deeply with Entelar Group,” Singh said.

“Together with the Wellington Phoenix, we’re committed to supporting our communities across New Zealand including local schools and grassroots clubs.

“We’re also looking forward to continuing the Nix in Schools programme, helping young kids meet and play with their football heroes.”

As has been the case for the past three seasons, the men’s kit features the tohu gifted to the Phoenix by local iwi Te Āti Awa.

The tohu is woven into the black stripes while Te Raukura (the plume of white feathers), which is an important symbol to the tribes who affiliate to Te Āti Awa and other Taranaki iwi, once again takes centre stage on the front of the shirt.

Phoenix men’s captain Alex Rufer has welcomed the return of the traditional yellow and black stripes.

“I have fond memories of watching the Phoenix play in a similar kit to this when the likes of Paul Ifill were playing,” Rufer said.

“And when I first joined the club we had the yellow and black stripes so it’s great to see them back.

“Dynasty has done a fantastic job producing this year’s strip and I can’t wait to pull it on and represent the Phoenix with pride.”

As well as being available for purchase from the club’s online store today, the men’s new replica shirt will be in selected Rebel Sport stores tomorrow (Friday, July 11) and on sale at Sky Stadium for the much-anticipated match against Wrexham AFC on Saturday week (July 19).

About the tohu gifted to the Wellington Phoenix:

Acclaimed designer Charmaine Love created a tohu on behalf of Te Āti Awa ki Te Whanganui a Tara in 2022. This taonga was gifted to the Wellington Phoenix and the design was first incorporated into the team’s kit for the 2022-23 A-Leagues.

Te Raukura (the white feather or plume of white feathers) is centred on the front of the shirts. It is an important symbol to the tribes who affiliate to Te Āti Awa and other Taranaki Iwi. Te Raukura symbolises the peaceful resistance of their tupuna at Parihaka in the 1880s and the white feather is still worn by their descendants today. Te Raukura represents spiritual, physical, and communal harmony and unity. It is an acknowledgement of a higher spiritual power and is a symbol of faith, hope, and compassion for all.

Ngake and Whātaitai, the two taniwha of Wellington harbour Te Whanganui-a-Tara feature on either side of the tohu. Taniwha are mythical Māori creatures and guardians and represent mauri (life force) of a place in physical form and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

A surrounding element of the tohu features koru (the unfurling new leaf of the ponga fern), symbolising new life, growth, strength and peace. The koru represents the whenua and tangata of Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Ngaru (waves) and mangōpare (hammerhead shark) are also integrated in the tohu. The ngaru represents the cutting of the waves when waka travelled the waters of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The mangōpare represents and symbolises strength, courage, determination, leadership and a fighting spirit, all values shared with the Wellington Phoenix.

The tohu also features Taranaki maunga which is hugely important to mana whenua and considered tapu.

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Mackenzie Barry has unfinished business at the Wellington Phoenix.

The combative centre back has re-signed with the Phoenix for the 2025-26 Ninja A-League, extending her stay at the club to a fifth season.

Barry, 24, has been a mainstay at the back since the women’s first game in December 2021 and is now the team’s most capped player with 71 appearances for the Nix.

“I’ve really enjoyed my past four years with the club,” she said. “I love playing in New Zealand, I love being near my family and the fans are amazing, of course. The team’s grown and improved so much.

“The first two years at the Phoenix were very much a learning curve for me as they were my first couple of years in professional football.

“The last two years we just fell short of the finals unfortunately, but I really want us to get into the top six.

“I’m committed to getting us into the finals.”

The 20-cap Football Fern has followed Wellingtonian Emma Main in recommitting to the Nix, while former Dutch international Tessel Middag, Dominican Republic captain Lucía León, American defender Ellie Walker and Football Ferns goalkeeper Victoria Esson have also signed on for the 2025-26 season.

She is convinced the Phoenix are committed to making the women’s programme a success.

“We’ve made some big signings and so early in the off-season which is exciting. They’re great quality players and they’ll lift the standards even more.

“The signings have definitely influenced my decision to re-sign.

“The Phoenix are really serious about the women’s team. We have all the support, fantastic facilities and now some great additions.”

Barry also believes the Phoenix can help her become a more regular member of the national side.

“The Phoenix have a good set-up and relationship with the Ferns so it’s a good environment to be in to be pushing and getting into the national team.

“I’d love to get more gametime as a centre back, but I’m still young and I’m working towards it.

“Hopefully this season I will get more of an opportunity.”

Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd is delighted to be able to confirm Barry’s contract extension.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to building a strong and competitive squad, securing top Kiwi talent remains a key strategic focus for the club,” Shepherd said.

“Mackenzie has consistently demonstrated leadership and composure in defence, and her extensive experience in the A-League women’s competition will be instrumental in mentoring and integrating new talent into the squad.

“Her professionalism, relentless work ethic, and commitment to excellence embody the values we expect of every player who wears the Nix jersey.

“We are proud to support her continued journey with the Football Ferns as she works towards the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.”

Mackenzie Barry is the 15^th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2025-26 A-League, with further signings and re-signings to follow in the coming weeks.

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