By Gary Caffell
Vanuatu football international Brian Kaltak is the latest acquisition to Wairarapa United’s Central League squad.
The 23-year-old always occupied a high place on coach Phil Keinzley’s shopping list after making a favourable impression on him when he had a brief stint with Wairarapa United about three years ago.
So needless to say he was delighted to confirm yesterday that he had got his man.
What appealed most about Kaltak to Keinzley was his versatility.
Most of his football has been played at central back or outside back but he has also made a favourable impression in midfield and as striker.
“He’s one of those players you can virtually put anywhere and know you will get a quality performance, he gives you a lot of options.”
Keinzley said he would rate Kaltak as talented a footballer as there is currently playing in the Oceania region, outside New Zealand.
“He’s extremely fast and very strong on the ball and when you add his versatility and a good footballing brain he’s pretty much the complete package.”
Kaltak is currently playing for Vanuatu club, Erakor Golden Star, in the Oceania Championship League in Tahiti, and once that commitment ends he will be heading to Masterton with Keinzley expecting him to be here by the end of March at the latest.
The Kaltak signing adds significantly to an already potent-looking Wairarapa United line-up.
Earlier signings include Fiji under-20 international Jeshal Kumar and Tasman United national league player Cameron Lindsay who had two years with the Wellington Phoenix, along with two others returning to the fold in former Vanuatau rep Seule Soromon and Dale Higham who represented New Zealand and the Under-20 World Cup.
Last year’s player-coach and former Wellington Phoenix star Paul Ifill will be back again as will other key members of the 2016 squad in Sam Mason-Smith and Cory Chettleburgh.
The Central League season begins on April 1 with Wairarapa United kicking off with a home game against Miramar Rangers.
