Popovic's hand was forced to some degree by injuries with regulars Harry Souttar, Riley McGree and Jordy Bos among five players from his last squad currently sidelined.

In their first match, the Bula Boys won over Auckland United with a 3-0 scoreline, with goals from Christopher Wasasala and Thomas Dunn. They then secured a 1-0 win against Eastern Suburbs, with ...