Interim Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne is continuing to assess the depth of talent available for New Zealand’s national team.
Two players have been called up for the first time and could make their international debut against world number 42 Chinese Taipei next month. Adelaide United goalkeeper Claudia Jenkins, who has started every game this season in the A-League Women, and University of Denver goalkeeper Alina Santos have both been selected.
The squad also includes C.S. Marítimo’s Jana Radosavljević and Lexington SC’s Grace Wisnewski, who return after missing the last tour.
New Zealand Football said the changes reflect an ongoing effort to evaluate more players in the team environment. This approach aims to strengthen the squad ahead of the next FIFA Women’s World Cup cycle.
Several players from the recent Costa Rica series—Mackenzie Barry, Geo Candy, Brianna Edwards, Macey Fraser, and Grace Jale—have not been selected for this tour. Their absence is due to injuries, the need to manage playing time after returning from injury, and the opportunity to test other players.
Mayne expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress in Costa Rica, where they introduced a new playing model and tactical approach.
“I want to use this tour to refine key details within our system,” Mayne said. “The behind-closed-doors training game gives us a great chance to experiment before the full international match.”
His long-term goal is to strengthen the squad and create internal competition, ensuring the team is in the best possible position for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027, should they qualify.
New Zealand will face Chinese Taipei on April 8 at Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The teams will also play a closed-door training match three days earlier.
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