Nando Pijnaker was somewhat of an unknown entity when he became the 22nd player to sign with Auckland FC, but it’s fair to assert that both fans and rival attackers are well aware of him now. The Black Knights’ central defender sat down with aleagues.com.au to discuss the upcoming New Zealand Derby happening this weekend.
Auckland FC’s record-setting introduction to the Isuzu UTE A-League has certainly taken many by surprise.
With six consecutive victories and a seven-match unbeaten run before succumbing to their first loss, the Black Knights rapidly became the hottest ticket in town, as Auckland embraced their new football outfit.
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Fast forward four months, and the Black Knights are no longer catching anyone off guard. The competition has wised up to the new contenders, as they head into Round 20 and the third instalment of the New Zealand Derby, sitting five points clear atop the ladder.
“We view ourselves as a brand new club, and things are progressing impressively,” Pijnaker remarked when asked if conversations about potential silverware are becoming more common in the Auckland FC locker room.
“That’s not really what we’re focusing on; I doubt the coaches would even welcome any talk of silverware at all. So that’s definitely not on our minds.”
He added, “I’ve personally never won an A-League championship, so I don’t have the right to get carried away. Steve (Corica) has been through this before and knows the best way to navigate it, so we need to heed his guidance.
“So far, his instructions have been working well for us, and we don’t want to jinx our current momentum.”
Initially making a quiet return to New Zealand as the 22nd signing for the A-League’s newest club, Pijnaker has swiftly transformed into one of the league’s standout defenders since joining from Irish club football.
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“I think Auckland FC has been quite unexpected considering it’s a brand new team. When I arrived, I wasn’t familiar with all the players that had been signed, so it was a completely new experience,” he explained.
“But it’s exceeded my expectations. The quality of our training, the calibre of new signings, and the facilities available have been remarkably better than I anticipated from a newly established club.”
“I assumed there might be a bit of disarray, but that wasn’t the case at all. Instead, I found a club executing everything exceptionally well across the board.”
He elaborated, “From training to the club facilities and media engagement, it’s been outstanding for us.
“I believe this holistic approach is reflected on the pitch, leading to our impressive performances.”
Pijnaker is amongst the league’s elite in terms of duels won and interceptions made. His skill on the ball is equally commendable, coupled with his knack for contributing critical goals—currently standing at three this season.
As his coach articulated in a pre-season interview with aleagues.com.au, strong defences win championships, and the Black Knights’ position at the top of the league—having conceded only 12 goals in 16 matches—validates that statement for now.
A pivotal figure in Auckland’s backline alongside Pijnaker is the illustrious Japanese defender Hiroki Sakai.
As the club’s first-ever captain, Sakai brings a wealth of experience, having enjoyed a successful career in both Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, along with having won trophies like the J League 1 title and the AFC Champions League.
“He’s incredible. I’m a huge fan of Hiroki—he’s my favourite player in the team!”
“His class is evident in training sessions, and it feels like the game unfolds in slow motion for him.”
“He recognises many aspects of the game that others might not, and there’s much I’ve learned from him. I often seek his advice. His presence benefits the entire team, and off the field, he’s a fantastic person—very approachable and friendly.”
When asked specifically what he has learned from Sakai this season, Pijnaker shared a seemingly simple yet crucial aspect of game management.
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However, when you consider this within the context of their defensive strategy, it makes perfect sense.
“There are moments in matches where we may not want to play from the back in the dying minutes before half-time to maintain a goalless scoreline or prevent the other side from seizing scoring chances. He has a remarkable intuition for those situations.”
“He’s been exceptional for me. His impact extends beyond just me; he’s a tremendous help to the entire team, and a truly wonderful person away from the pitch, making it all the better.”
This Saturday, Auckland FC has the opportunity to extend their lead in the title race to a significant eight points, but to do so, they must achieve a New Zealand Derby ‘whitewash’ against Wellington Phoenix.
After defeating Giancarlo Italiano’s side 2-0 in the inaugural NZ Derby at Sky Stadium in Round 3, the Black Knights secured a second victory over the Nix with a 2-1 win at Go Media Stadium on December 7.
Pijnaker and his teammates are set to complete the hat-trick against their rivals in front of an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd this weekend.
“It’s brilliant. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to witness a New Zealand Derby, which hasn’t been a regular occurrence, demonstrating that local teams can compete at the highest levels of the league,” he remarked.
“Moreover, it’s an exciting development as there are now multiple professional pathways available in New Zealand; it’s no longer just Wellington Phoenix. With Auckland FC paving the way, New Zealand football is on the rise.”
“I think this growth will only enhance the game in New Zealand, which is a positive step forward. I would have appreciated having more opportunities when I was younger, and it’s incredible to have so many fans attending our home matches and our games in Wellington.”
For Pijnaker, while Saturday’s New Zealand Derby is sure to be an intense encounter, he holds a degree of respect for the opposition, particularly one standout player.
Having signed on transfer deadline day from Malaysian club Johor Darul Ta’zim, Wellington strengthened their attack with Portuguese playmaker Francisco ‘Chico’ Geraldes—a player Pijnaker knows well and credits for assisting him early in his career.
“He’s a brilliant guy,” said Pijnaker of his relationship with Geraldes from their time at Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2020.
“He was incredibly supportive when I arrived in Portugal; despite being Portuguese, he had played in various countries before.”
“I recall him reaching out when I got there, offering assistance if I needed help or just someone to talk to.”
Nando Pijnaker on his relationship with Wellington Phoenix attacker Francisco Geraldes
He continued, “His willingness to help me made a significant difference, given that I was a foreigner struggling with the language barrier and trying to adjust to a new environment. I’m incredibly grateful for that.
“It was quite unexpected to see him join Wellington. I didn’t know how that opportunity came about, and I reckon he hadn’t connected with anyone in New Zealand, apart from me.
“He reached out for insights about New Zealand, which was fun for me to share what he could expect, hopefully helping him settle in—though obviously, not against us!”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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