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2010
NZ’s Number One Fast Heading For Number Fifty
by Jeremy Ruane
The Football Ferns returned home from the Peace Queen Cup recently, disappointed at having missed out on the opportunity to play in the final by, quite literally, the luck of the draw.
Round-robin clashes between England, New Zealand and the host nation, Korea Republic, had resulted in a scoreless draw each time, so the team to progress to the final was determined by the drawing of lots.
Sadly for the Football Ferns, they didn’t get the chance to end the year the way they had begun it, by clashing with Australia in the final. Instead, they headed home with heads held high, and in possession of a New Zealand record which had stood unchallenged since 1989.
The two clean sheets in Suwon, allied to the perfect defensive record achieved in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup tournament on home turf, means the Football Ferns head into a FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals year boasting seven consecutive clean sheets to their name.
The goalkeeper responsible for the bulk of those defensive duck-eggs is Jenny Bindon, who has been the undisputed New Zealand number one for five seasons now, after first donning the gloves for her country in February 2004.
She’s fast approaching fifty caps in "A" internationals, and will become the first New Zealand goalkeeper, male or female, to achieve the feat early next year - indeed, she has just overhauled Jason Batty’s tally of 47 caps, until now the most appearances by one player in the uniquely coloured silver fern-badged jersey.
It’s a milestone which has caught ‘JB’ on the hop. "I haven’t really thought of it like that, to be honest. It’s all down to hard work. I just keep my head down, and to look up and see that fifty sitting on the horizon is pretty cool.
"I think that it will be a great milestone and a huge tribute to all the help that I’ve had along the way, particularly from different coaches - Simon Eaddy, Kevin O’Leary, and James Bannatyne, who has supported me from the get-go".
Missing out on the Peace Queen Cup Final obviously doesn’t rank among the highlights of Jenny’s career to date, but the Belleville, Illinois-born custodian has realised plenty of others in the last few years.
"Going to the 2008 Olympics was a huge highlight. And to play with a team that is just progressing the way we are under John Herdman, and to be a part of it, is just a highlight in itself.
"My most memorable game as a Football Fern is when we played against Italy in Cyprus in March, a game we won 1-0. The way we played for each other, and the fight and determination as a group of individuals was the most cohesive team participation I’ve been involved with in any sport that I’ve done. It was a huge thing to be a part of, and it showed the attributes of all the girls in the team and the fight that the Kiwis have".
Jenny was an integral part of that triumph, of course, but has been conspicuous by her absence from the women’s club scene during the last couple of seasons, the simple reason being she’s playing with the chaps!
Matildas goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri led the way in this regard a couple of years ago, and it’s certainly been beneficial to her game. The concept also suited Jenny’s personal circumstances to a tee.
"With my family situation, it’s hard for me to go overseas and play, so John Herdman suggested it to me, and it’s been a great thing. It has improved my game in leaps and bounds.
"The boys at Hibiscus Coast have been fantastic. We
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have former Waitakere City striker Geof Gray - he’s been huge in the men’s game, Ian Sparks, Brent Edwards … all those guys up there have been a huge help to make my game just grow quickly.
"When you’re playing against big lads who dwarf the girls a little bit, they give you a bit of confidence - it’s just been really good. It’s great to see that the football community in New Zealand is embracing these types of opportunities to make this team one of the best in the world".
Having recorded wins and draws against six of the countries currently ranked in the world’s top fifteen since July 2008, the Football Ferns are certainly on course to realise that ambition. But is playing with and against the opposite sex something Jenny would recommend to some of her colleagues if they’re unable to secure an overseas contract?
"I think it depends on the person. For me it was a perfect fit. My husband plays on the team. My little boy plays up at the club. I think as long as you’re always trying to find ways to get better, and if that’s one of the ways that’s going to make you better, then yes, I think it’s great. But again, I think it’s got to be on an individual case-by-case basis".
That basis contrasts starkly with the all-embracing approach Jenny applies when it comes to proudly sporting the silver fern, something she has done 48 times to date in her career, be the opposition reigning world champions Germany or a less noted nation - any of our Oceania rivals spring to mind in this regard.
"The most important thing is to treat every game on its merits. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing - you treat it as if they’re one of the best in the world. That’s how I train in anything I do.
"Take the Vanuatu game, for instance. As a ‘keeper, you have to be ready for anything - it’s unpredictable at any time. I prepared for that game as though I was playing the USA, or China in the World Cup, or Norway or Denmark or Canada - whoever we’re playing! I give 100%, and work hard, and I was tired after that game as well. My communication, yelling ... I think people knew I was on the pitch!
"For me, we do our extra work outside of such matches. We had a full training session involving all the girls the day after the Vanuatu game. We treat every game as though it’s our last, and our hardest game, and that’s what’s going to make us a great team".
Talking of which, there’s one behind New Zealand’s number one, and it’s one she’s already referred to in this story. Husband Grant and son Tyler play a huge part in helping this 37-year-old soccer mom to maintain her standards, longevity and enjoyment of the beautiful game, with the last attribute one Jenny particularly welcomes.
"I’m pleased you touched on enjoyment. I get that from my son. I don’t see anyone who enjoys playing football more than him, and if I start to think that it’s getting a bit tough, I just watch him play, and kick a ball around with Jay and all the other kids. It just brings it back to what the game is all about - having fun!
"My husband is my rock. He’s part of my life, and will always be. He’s sacrificed so much, but we sacrifice for each other. We’re a real team at home, and that’s how we approach everything in life. You’ve got to give and take, and he’s done that.
"I’ve got a great family that supports me, and I’ve a huge circle of friends who provide support - our neighbours, the Gazes, have been a huge help, for instance. It’s kind of how we make it work. I couldn’t do it without the support of Grant, Tyler, our family and our friends".
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