LIAM WHITER
2019 Captain Liam Whiter commits to Franklin United for 2020. Pukekohe local Liam Whiter, with 32 appearances in the red, black and white uniform, 20 in 2019, has signed on for another season. The former Pukekohe High School student has two years of Franklin United First Team experience under his belt and is excited for the upcoming season, already training through the off-season. Coach Mark Holt said, “Liam is a real team player, who has a great work ethic, he is able to dictate play with a wide range of passing techniques whilst also defensively winning possession with a no nonsense approach in a tackle.”
LOGAN JOHNSON
18 year old Tuakau local Logan Johnson signs with Franklin United for 2020. The New Zealand Maori representative footballer made 5 appearances at First Team level in 2019 and is hungry for more. The former Tuakau College student moved to Pukekohe AFC playing up until Under 17 level before the transition to Franklin United Reserves. Mark Holt says “Logan has continued to train after the Napier Under 19 tournament and has made improvements to his game that will hold him in good stead for the senior environment.”
KAVI KUMAR
Kavi Kumar will continue with Franklin United after his debut season. The 18 year old has been extremely loyal to the area playing for Pukekohe from first kicks until stepping up to the Franklin First Team ranks in 2019. Mark Holt said, “Kavi is a player that a defender doesn’t want running at them. His low centre of gravity, agility and direct nature is challenging to deal with. He wants to improve, has high standards and is his harshest critic. I’m really looking forward to helping him develop his understanding of how to use his natural ability.”
KARTIK KUMAR
Local speedster Kartik Kumar signs with Franklin United for 2020. The 20 year old Pukekohe resident has played all his football locally in the South for Pukekohe, Manurewa and Franklin United. He has had success winning the Satellite Tournament in Napier and being part of the Future Talent Centre programme with Auckland Football. Mark Holt commented, “Retaining players with the ability of Kartik along with the other local talent was one of our main objectives, so to keep him at Franklin United is a major boost. Kartik has a lot of experience for his age, speed to burn, a natural ability to cause defenders problems and I believe there is a lot of little things that can make him even more of a threat in the final third.
ANDRE FRUH
New Zealand Secondary School Champion Andre Fruh signs with Franklin United. Andre has just come off a superb season winning the New Zealand Secondary Schools Football title and the Auckland Knockout Cup with Scared Heart College. Coach Mark Holt is happy to work with Andre. “I’m delighted Andre has joined the club. I’ve been fortunate enough to coach him since he was an eleven year old in morning trainings, guiding him to development not only in football, but as a person and academics. Andre will bring determination and drive to be successful, he’s tough in a tackle, knows how to find dangerous pockets of space with clever movement and can pick defences apart.”
CAOLIN HEWITT-SWAINE
Youngster Caolin Hewitt Swaine has signed with Franklin United. The 17 year old Sport Waikato Secondary Schools Sportsman of the Year Finalist is staying at the club in 2020. Caolin, a Tuakau College student, made 22 First Team appearances in his debut season. Coach Mark Holt believes the signing of Caolin underlines the belief the club has in promoting youth players to senior ranks when they are capable. “What I like about Caolin is his attitude - he is wanting to learn, willing to ask questions and puts in a shift. Of course with his size he is good in the air, but he’s also capable of breaking lines with his passing ability.”
RYAN ROSSALL
Franklin signs young gun Ryan Rossall. The 18 year old who resides in Pokeno and attended Onewhero Area school started playing for Drury United FC in the 8th grade team. Whilst playing club football Ryan’s talent was recognised as he was selected to represent Auckland Football Federation at age group level. Coach Mark Holt is delighted to have Rossall staying at the club saying, “He is one of a number of young local players who with guidance can be effective this season. I’ve been impressed by Ryan’s leadership qualities, that he takes on instruction and implements it right away, his ability to turn defence into attack rapidly and that he doesn’t shirk his defensive duties.”
PRASHNEEL ROY
Prashneel Roy will continue with Franklin United in 2020. The 20 year old made 17 appearances for Franklin United in 2019. Prashneel started his football as a youngster at Otahuhu United before time spent at Manukau AFC and then Mangere United. He has history playing for current Franklin United coach Mark Holt, coming through the academy at One Tree Hill College and eventually captaining the school. Mark Holt said, “Prashneel is an outstanding young man, who has great leadership qualities. I have a lot of time and respect for the manner in how he behaves on and off the field. His work ethic, ability on the field and aggressive nature will be great for the club.”
NIGEL NAIZAL
Former Fiji Under 17 Captain and Under 20 player Nigel Naizal has signed with Franklin United for 2020. Nigel is a talented young player with a desire to improve and continue his football with the hopes of playing at the highest level possible. Coach Mark Holt is stoked to have Nigel in Franklin United colours in 2020. Holt says “Nigel is not only a great player, but is a superb individual and is extremely humble. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to guide and improve his footballing talents again. The way he plays the game is a pleasure to watch, he is a lead by example type of person, but when he speaks people listen and respond.”
ALEX SANIEL
Vanuatu International forward Alex Saniel has put pen to paper for the 2020 season with Franklin United. Coach Mark Holt is delighted to have Alex on board saying he has been wanting to coach him for a number of years. Holt also says “His attitude to learn, improve and play with a group of committed players stood out as key factors that made signing good for both the club and the player. I am sure the supporters who come out to watch the team will enjoy his direct style of play.”