A recent New Zealand international's mother had reason to read the following definition from her Collins' dictionary earlier this year. Retire: to give up one's work, career, etc., esp. because of advanced age; to withdraw, as to a secluded place. “See, Mum, it hasn't changed. But I'm enjoying the chance to play football again so much that I think I'll make a comeback”. And with that declaration, New Zealand women's soccer legend Wendi Henderson, the Kiwi game's third most capped women's international and fourth-highest scorer on the world stage, resumed a playing career which all and sundry, herself included, had thought was over at the end of the 2003 National Women's League season. Her reward for doing so is huge - the chance to captain her country again, and become only the third player in New Zealand women's soccer's history to make fifty international appearances for her country, a feat she will realise when taking the field in the second of two internationals against China this week. “It has been an interesting week for me. This has come completely out of the blue!”, exclaimed the thirty-five-year-old affectionately known as 'Weed', as she prepared to head to China on a whirlwind tour with the New Zealand women's squad. “I didn't set about making a big comeback this year. It was mainly for fitness and lifestyle reasons that I got back into playing, and enjoying the game again. “Playing for Upper Hutt City, my competitive edge came back during the season, and we won the First Division title convincingly, before losing narrowly to my previous club, Seatoun, in extra time in the Kelly Cup Final”. The coach of Capital Soccer's senior women's team since 2001 was asked by numerous friends, players and supporters alike if she was planning on extending her comeback to top-flight women's football. “I said no at first, but after joining in the training sessions, I felt that I still had something to offer …

“I've been a lot more relaxed this year than in previous years, and got a lot more enjoyment out of playing as a result - that's been a key for me, even in the National Women's League. Indeed, it's fair to say I'm enjoying playing now more than ever before. “Soccer has been a big part of my life, and I've been around the New Zealand soccer scene for a long time. Much of this time in the last five years has been spent coaching, and I really enjoy that. I've learnt a lot through doing so, too - to take things in my stride, to have the ability to overcome setbacks, and to have a positive attitude”. It's all played a part in bringing Wendi to where she is now - captaining the New Zealand women's team for the first time since 2000, and on the threshold of a special milestone in her career, one which she thought would never come about. “Three years ago, I'd given it away, but now the possibility of winning my fiftieth cap, twenty years after my first in 1987, is a reality. I'm realistic about the expectations of playing at this level and what it takes, so this is a good benchmark for me, thinking with the future in mind. “Donning the captain's armband again is a huge honour. I feel honoured to again be part of the international scene, but at the same time, I'm very mindful that a lot of players have been left behind on this occasion. “I hope some of my experience can be of benefit to those coming through - it's really good for the game to see so much talent coming through. This is a great opportunity for them”. As it is for Wendi, particularly in terms of her coaching aspirations. “It's a great chance for me to work with and learn from other coaches, Allan Jones and John Herdman in this instance. “But having the chance to win my fiftieth cap, in a country which has some really good memories for me, e.g. the 1991 Women's World Cup Finals in China, is even more of a bonus, one I'll definitely enjoy”.