Nando Pijnaker

Nando Pijnaker played in both the Central and Northern Leagues as a teenager, for Western Suburbs and Eastern Suburbs respectively. Opting to move abroad, he signed for Torslanda in the Swedish 2nd Division in 2019. A year later, after a short stint at Swiss club Grasshopper, Pijnaker joined Rio Ave, a Portuguese 1st Division side. He was loaned out to Danish club FC Helsingør in 2021. Pijnaker moved to Ireland’s Sligo Rovers in 2022, playing there for two years and making 77 appearances. 

Pijnaker moved to Auckland FC in 2024, scoring his first goal as a 97th minute game-winner against Sydney FC. 

Pijnaker has recorded 15 All White Caps, representing New Zealand at both U-20 and senior level. He participated in the 2020 Olympics after qualifying with the New Zealand U-20 side as OFC Champions.