Darren Bazeley Set for Unmatched Four-Tournament Milestone
darren bazeley is set to become the only coach to manage at the men’s Under-17 World Cup, Under-20 World Cup, an Olympics and a World Cup finals when New Zealand opens against Iran on June 15 in Los Angeles. He said the tournament is not about him, and that New Zealand is there to enjoy the event and perform well.
Bazeley and New Zealand
The 53-year-old will lead New Zealand into its Group G opener against Iran, carrying a record that spans youth football and the senior global stage. His own view is narrower than the milestone: “It’s not about me.”
“This is the players’ environment. Their team. We’re here to make sure they enjoy it and they’re in the best place to perform.” Those words frame his approach as the team heads into its first match in Los Angeles.
From Watford to New Zealand
Bazeley’s route to this point started as a full-back with spells at Watford, Wolves and Walsall in English football’s second tier. He moved to New Zealand in 2005 to join New Zealand Knights in their inaugural A-League season, relocating with his wife and two daughters.
New Zealand Knights lasted two seasons before being dissolved and replaced by Wellington Phoenix. Bazeley became a New Zealand citizen, retired at 35 and went straight into coaching locally, first helping with under-17 teams and then staying involved in New Zealand Football programmes.
Hudson, Hay and Colorado Rapids
He moved deeper into the senior set-up in 2015, assisting Anthony Hudson with New Zealand’s senior side, then followed Hudson to MLS side Colorado Rapids at the end of 2017. Bazeley called that spell “cool, different,” saying, “It reminded me of playing professional club football,” and added, “Facilities are amazing, training and stadiums.”
He later assisted Danny Hay for three years from 2019 before taking over as New Zealand head coach in 2023. Bazeley also said, “I mean, it’s been an amazing journey looking back,” but added, “It’s amazing… but I haven’t got there yet,” leaving the emphasis on the team rather than the milestone attached to his name.
