Men's Premier player Abdulla Al-Kalisy has been selected to play for Iraq in two friendlies against Oman in Doha, Qatar in November as Iraq prepares for the AFC U23 Championship in January. Abdulla is a dual citizen so is available for both NZ and Iraq.
Abdulla said the call up came out of the blue, with Zaid Yousif, an independent mediator who tracks overseas based Iraqi players, keeping the Iraqi football association up to date with his progress in New Zealand.
Abdulla has been in good form for Tasman United in the ISPS Handa Premiership scoring two goals against Hamilton Wanderers in the opening round.