Football: Wellington Olympic attempt to snap national title drought against Auckland City

One of the few football league's still running during the World Cup is the New Zealand National League.

The final between Wellington Olympic and Auckland City is scheduled for Sunday at Mt Smart Stadium, when the team from the capital has a chance to end a 13-year drought for a major trophy.

Last time Olympic was on top of the domestic game was 2009, but the heights of their Chatham Cup knockout victory haven't been reached since.

"We've been close to that success and I feel like we deserve it," said Greek striker Gianni Bouzoukis. "We've been quite consistent throughout the year."

Bouzoukis is a key part of that consistency, netting nine goals, as the league's joint top goalscorer.

"The boys are excited," he said. "We feel confident.

"We've scored a lot of goals and haven't conceded too much so we're raring to go."

But they're under no illusion getting past one of the country's powerhouse sides will be easy.

"Auckland City have played in two finals this year and they've won two finals," said winger Jack-Henry Sinclair. "We've played them twice, they've got the better of us twice, so we're hoping third time is a charm really."

Gianni Bouzoukis in action for Wellington Olympic
Gianni Bouzoukis in action for Wellington Olympic. Photo credit: Photosport

"Its been such a long season," said coach Rupert Kemeys. "We started in February, but now it's up to the players to go out there on gameday and bring back the trophy to Wellington.

"We'll be buzzing for it."

Although they boast the best attack in the competition, with 30 goals, they know some will still regard them as underdogs.

"Maybe those looking from the outside in might think that, but I think we're pretty confident going into the final this weekend," said Sinclair.

The side from the capital are not focussing on tags, just titles.