Football

Meet the towering defender at the heart of Auckland’s title hopes: ‘We don’t want to jinx anything!

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February 21, 2025

When Nando Pijnaker signed as Auckland FC’s 22nd player, he was relatively unknown to the public.

Fast forward to today, and the towering defender has not only established himself as a key figure in the Black Knights’ defense but also made a lasting impression on opposing strikers. As Auckland FC prepares for a high-stakes New Zealand Derby, Pijnaker spoke to aleagues.com.au about the team’s remarkable journey.

A Record-Breaking Debut Season

Auckland FC’s start to life in the Isuzu UTE A-League was nothing short of extraordinary. The newcomers stunned the league with a six-game winning streak, remaining unbeaten for seven matches before their first loss. Now, as they approach Round 20, they sit five points clear at the top of the table, making it clear they are no longer a surprise package.

Despite their success, talk of silverware is not on the agenda inside the dressing room.

“We’re a brand new club, and it’s going really well,” Pijnaker said with a smile. “The coaches won’t let us even mention silverware. So none of that is happening at all.”

With A-League-winning coach Steve Corica leading the charge, Pijnaker and his teammates are simply following the plan laid out for them.

“Steve’s won the A-League before, so he knows how to handle this situation. We just have to listen to him. And so far, what he’s saying is working well for us. We don’t want to jinx anything!”

Auckland’s Defensive Anchor

Pijnaker’s return to New Zealand from Irish football was a low-key affair, but his impact has been immense. The 24-year-old international has emerged as one of the league’s standout defenders, excelling in duels, interceptions, and even chipping in with three goals.

Initially unsure of what to expect from a newly formed club, Pijnaker was pleasantly surprised.

“I didn’t know who else they had signed, so it was a whole new experience. But everything—training, facilities, the squad—was better than I expected. I thought there might be some disorganization, but the club has done everything properly.”

With a defensive unit that has conceded just 12 goals in 16 games, Auckland FC has built its title charge on a rock-solid backline.

A big factor in their defensive success? Hiroki Sakai.

Learning from a Legend: Hiroki Sakai’s Influence

Auckland FC’s inaugural captain, Hiroki Sakai, brought an incredible resume to the club, having played in France’s Ligue 1, Germany’s Bundesliga, and Japan’s J1 League, where he won multiple trophies. His presence has been invaluable to Pijnaker’s development.

“Yeah, he’s amazing. He’s my favorite player on the team! You can see his class in training—everything seems to happen in slow motion for him. He reads the game so well, and I try to learn as much as I can from him.”

One of the key lessons Sakai has taught him is how to manage crucial moments in games.

“Sometimes, just before halftime, it’s smarter not to play out from the back. Instead, we keep it tight to make sure the other team doesn’t get a scoring chance. He’s really smart at managing those moments, and that’s something I’ve learned from him.”

Auckland’s Shot at Derby Dominance

On Saturday, Auckland FC has the opportunity to move eight points clear in the title race by completing a season sweep over Wellington Phoenix in the New Zealand Derby.

Having already won 2-0 in Round 3 and 2-1 in December, the Black Knights now face their biggest crowd yet, with the match officially sold out.

“It’s fantastic for young kids growing up in New Zealand to see a proper football rivalry. There’s more opportunity now, not just with Wellington Phoenix, but also with Auckland FC. It’s going to grow the game in the country.”

A Familiar Face on the Other Side

While Pijnaker is focused on shutting down Wellington, he’ll be facing a familiar opponent in Francisco ‘Chico’ Geraldes. The Portuguese playmaker, signed on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim, was a former teammate of Pijnaker at Rio Ave in 2020.

“He’s a top guy. When I arrived in Portugal, he was one of the first to reach out and help me settle in. When he signed with Wellington, he actually called me to ask about New Zealand!”

That friendly bond, however, will be put aside when they meet on the field.

“Hopefully, he gets comfortable here… but not against us!”

With Auckland FC closing in on history, Pijnaker remains focused on one game at a time—even if a first-ever A-League title is starting to feel within reach.