Glasgow Celtic striker Chris Killen is the man to watch when Taifa Stars meet New Zealand dubbed All Whites on June 3 in Dar es Salaam. The 27-year-old player is one of the deadliest players the visiting team would field at the National Stadium. The visitors will also field defender Steven Old who plays for Scottish premier side, Kilmarnock. The 23-year-old defender is one of the defence pillars for the All Whites. Taifa Stars' head coach Marcio Maximo said he was optimistic that the looming international friendly tie would help boost soccer standards in the country. Far superior to Tanzania in FIFA ranking, New Zealand has competed in one World Cup final (1982) and in two Confederation Cups held in Mexico (1999) and France (2003). The All Whites have also qualified for this year's FIFA Confederation Cup slatted for South Africa and have the opportunity to compete in the World Cup next year should they perform superbly in the continental championship. Their present position in FIFA ranking is 78th while Tanzania are struggling in the 105th position. New Zealand�s highest rank was 47th position attained in August 2002. Other prominent players coming for the friendly match are Simon Elliott and Shane Smeltz. Duncan Oughton, David Mulligan and Mark Paston, who formed a brilliant New Zealand youth squad in 2003. Speaking about Taifa Stars' preparations, head coach Marcio Maximo said his players were doing well in their training at the National Stadium. Maximo said Henry Joseph and Nurdin Bakari have shrugged off injuries and are likely to play against the All Whites. New Zealand are in Botswana for a brief training and would arrive here on June 1.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
