top of page

NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITIES WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM

1998 - 2005 & 2006 - 2007

At 26 years of age, Macky was trusted into the national coaching scene being appointed as the Head Coach of the New Zealand Universities Women's National Team (NZUWNT). He wasn't aware what he was getting into. The national team had a very poor reputation among the football fraternity in New Zealand in particular the lack of professional approach in the running and managing the program.  

 

Macky set out to change the face of the universities national women's program. For the first three years, he worked hard in changing the drinking culture among the players that synonymous with university sport in New Zealand back in the days. In 2001, first time ever in its program history embarked on an international tour to Australia for two weeks playing seven friendly matches. The following year the NZU team headed to Malaysia and Singapore. This gave a major boost to the program's creditably. "He has been responsible for the development of the New Zealand Universities Women's National Team, during which he has managed and coached the New Zealand team to successful international tournaments and tours". - Sacha Haskell, Executive Director of University Sport New Zealand at that time.

 

All of his affords were finally vindicated when he created history by leading the NZUWNT to the 2003 World University Games (WUG) in South Korea. It was the first of three World University Games under the leadership of Macky that the NZUWNT competed. It was definitely one of many highlights that the program achieved. Another highlight was that players from the NZUWNT were getting selected to the New Zealand Women's National Team and NZ U20 National Team as well that went on to play at the 2007 Women's World Cup, 2008 Olympics and 2008 U20 Women's World Cup. The NZUWNT created a pathway for university players the opportunity to play internationally for their country.

 

The most memorable moment for Macky as the Head Coach of the NZUWNT was when they played Chinese Taipei in their second group match at the 2005 WUG in Turkey. Chinese Taipei were favourites to go through from the group stage to the quarterfinals. Macky knew that the NZUWNT were technically weaker and slower than the Chinese however the Kiwis were physically strong. Hence he set the team out to defend deep, being patience and when the opportunity appeared to counter-attack the Chinese on the break. The tactical plan worked like a charm, frustrating the Chinese throughout the match. The NZU team recorded their first victory at the Games with a 2 - 0 score-line, with both goals coming at the end of each half. The team finished 9th overall with four wins and two defeats.

 

"I've never coached a team that have battled like these girls have. They were totally professional and never gave up despite the heat and some top quality opposition. They deserve a lot of credit back home for what they've done," said Singh. (source from Kent Gray - New Zealand Herald).

bottom of page