All Whites team members on the parade float

Is it too daring to suggest that the All Whites have come ‘home’ to Wellington?  It certainly felt like it on Wednesday as we hit the streets to welcome home the All Whites.

The parade scheduled this week was said to cost the city a ‘modest’ sum, and in was indeed lesser in size but replete in spirit. The crowds needed to have that all-important parade delay, the whirling lights of the cop cars and the music factor to get us in the mood. Thanks to our latest city visitors, the Boca Junior team, South American was the flavour of the day with the band, followed closely by tango dancers. Goodness, there was even a dashing Indian gentleman stepping out to the tango. He’d be a catch!

The Boca Juniors team were next up and riding high on the coat tails of All White glory. Good old Wellington throwing a parade for our visitors.

Then our boys the All Whites passed before us – and don’t we feel they are ours?  If you have been a follower of football in Wellington, and attended every Phoenix game since you can’t remember when, then these are OUR boys.  Wellington has responded to the beautiful game for a long time now and we are home for many of our nation’s football stars. Much of this can be attributed to Terry Serepisos who was resplendent in the parade aloft on the Phoenix float and looking like he was ready to float.

The parade was all over far too fast and while it retreated down the Quay, our national pride only swelled in size. On reflection I had the feeling that if any of the All Whites knocked on your door at home, they would be more than welcome to a cuppa. What interesting company they would be too. The rise to great heights (and 20 spots higher on the world table) comes with hard work and a touch of magic. These boys can speak of the hard work, but the magic will remain silent; silent of course for another four years until the lion roars again.

To see a little magic for yourself, experience the Phoenix in action on Friday 23 July at 7.30pm at the Westpac Stadium. The ‘friendly’ against the Boca Juniors will be a proud Wellington moment to perhaps rejoice in the All White’s outstanding effort in the FIFA World Cup while cheering on the ever more potent Phoenix to success.

My pick? 3-0 to the Phoenix.

Kia kaha

Jennifer Looman