Football: Progress in cup at stake

The Chatham Cup semifinals beckon for two Dunedin clubs. First, in Sunday's quarterfinals, Caversham will need to beat Manukau City at the Caledonian, and Dunedin Technical will have to upset Miramar Rangers in Wellington. Sports reporter Adrian Seconi caught up with both captains for a few quick questions.

Will you be wearing lucky undies or clutching rosary beads or anything like that?
Caversham captain Harley Rodeka: "No lucky undies. I just stick to the usual stuff and my game-day pattern."

Dunedin Technical captain Aaron Burgess: "I'm not really superstitious at all, other than making sure I wear my correct shirt. I've always played in the No 12 for Dunedin Tech and I always like to wear that."

What is your pre-match routine?
HR: "Get a good sleep, a good breakfast, have a shower, get my Cavvy kit on and make myself some lunch. I usually have a pasta and lots of water."

AB: "Generally I like to have a little bit of a sleep-in and I always have a roast chicken Subway on the day of the game. The only problem with that is when you are playing away, like we are this weekend. It throws out your routine."

How do you deal with nerves before a big match?
HR: "I just try to control my breathing. That relaxes me a wee bit and I try not to think about the game until I get to the ground."

AB: "I don't really get too nervous these days. A few nerves are good because it gives you that little bit of adrenaline. My role as captain is to help to calm the nerves of a lot of the younger players who might not have played in these big games before."

What will be the key for your side?
HR: "A fast pace and keeping the ball. The last few weeks we've been doing that quite well. Earlier in the season we were sort of a second-half team but lately we've been putting in more complete performances, which has been giving us the results."

AB: "For us it is really important to be nice and strong defensively. If we can frustrate and put a lot of pressure on Miramar, and keep them from scoring in the first 20min-30min, then I think we will grow into the game. Then hopefully we can take our chances attacking-wise."

What will your last words be to your side before kick-off??
HR: "Play like it is the last game you're ever going to play. Give it 100%. Your supporters are behind you, your club is behind you and we've just got to do it for ourselves."

AB: "Dunedin Tech has a proud history in the Chatham Cup. We won it 11 or 12 years ago and we've always done well. So it will be emphasising how Chatham Cup matches are prestigious and important and to go out there and enjoy it."