Luka Coveny has led the Junior All Whites to the OFC U-19 Boys’ Championship title after a series of dominant performances.
Captaining the New Zealand Under-20 side, Coveny guided a defence that didn’t concede a single goal throughout the entire tournament, leading all the way to a 4-0 thumping of New Caledonia in the final on Thursday.
The 18-year-old was imperious at the back for New Zealand, winning the man of the match award in the final and receiving the honour of Golden Ball for the best player at the tournament.
Alongside his impenetrable defending, Coveny also got himself involved in the attacking box in the final, assisting his centre-back partner James Bulkeley for the fourth goal in the game.
Success with his country caps off an incredible month or so in Coveny’s career, one which saw him sign his first professional contract with Western United.
This continues Coveny’s consistent progression both internationally and domestically, having developed through Western United’s Academy system to earn his first senior deal.
He has also elevated his game through the Under-17 ranks for New Zealand where he featured at the FIFA U17 World Cup last year.
Coveny is set to get another taste of the competing on the world stage in 2025 with New Zealand’s success at the OFC Championship earning the side a place at next year’s FIFA U20 World Cup.
Despite putting pen to paper alongside newly-selected Young Socceroos defender Dylan Leonard, Coveny is yet to train with the Green and Black due to his international commitments and will be eager to join up with John Aloisi’s side upon his return.
The young defender will return to Ironbark Fields to join pre-season training with his teammates and will be hoping he can earn a ticket to Darwin as the Green and Black heads north to face Newcastle Jets in the Australia Cup Final Rounds Play Off next Wednesday.
Images: OFC via PhototekNZ
