Wānaka FC will make its highly anticipated debut in the Dettol Southern League tomorrow (Saturday March 29), taking on the University of Canterbury Football Club (UC Football) at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

The newly promoted side has enjoyed a strong build-up to its first-ever campaign in the league, winning all three of its friendly matches, including a statement victory over reigning Southern Premiership champions Mosgiel.

“We're really looking forward to this weekend,” Wānaka FC director of football Ben Sippola said.

“We want to make a big community day of it and generate a lot of support for the team.”

The squad has undergone significant changes in preparation for the new challenge, with 12 new players joining the club. The recruits include talent from US universities and the Wellington Phoenix Academy, adding depth and experience to the roster.

Despite the influx of fresh faces, Wānaka FC’s starting lineup will still feature a strong core from last year’s squad, with six to seven returning players expected to take the field against UC Football.

The club will mark its Southern League debut by unveiling a new logo and taking the field in a fresh kit, adding to the excitement surrounding the match.

Ben said he is happy with how the team is shaping up but remains cautious about the unknowns posed by UC Football.

“We don’t know much about them, I think they’ve had a good pre-season,” Ben said.

Kickoff is set for 2pm at the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

PHOTO: Wānaka FC