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New Zealand have been looking for a replacement
for former coach Danny Hay, who decided to quit rather than
re-apply for his job following a review of the All Whites'
failure to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
NZF said their candidate for the full-time role was unable to
take up the position for home friendlies against China in March,
so Under-20s coach Darren Bazeley will fill the role on an
interim basis.
"The leading candidate for the permanent All Whites head coach
role had to be called upon to help manage a family health
issue," NZF said in a statement.
NZF boss Andrew Pragnell said the federation had made a contract
offer to the leading candidate last month and were still hopeful
of a signature.
However, NZF will reassess the situation after the China matches
in Auckland on March 23 and Wellington on March 26.
"We’re still in dialogue. We’re still positive. I remain
optimistic about it,” Pragnell told New Zealand's Stuff news
website.
"Having said that, we are dealing with variables that are
outside of our control."
Wellington Phoenix coach Ufuk Talay put his hand up for the job
in October but was told on Tuesday he was out of the running,
New Zealand media reported.
The All Whites have been eliminated in qualifying for the last
three World Cups by losing intercontinental playoffs but have
high hopes of making the next one.
Oceania has been guaranteed one slot in the expanded 48-team
World Cup in North America in 2026 and, given New Zealand’s
dominance of the region, they will be highly favoured to reach
the finals.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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