Albeit a different franchise, the first two campaigns saw New Zealand’s representative finish rock-bottom on both occasions and if Coveny has his way there will be no unwanted hat-trick.

Now he plans to send out a strong message to their rivals across the Tasman Sea by sending Sydney FC packing this weekend.

Coveny, 35, cannot wait to get started and is determined to do his home city club proud over the coming campaign.

As he prepares to face Branko Culina’s outfit on Sunday, he insists it is vital to make a positive start to really hook the Wellington public.

He said: “Obviously I grew up here and it’s great to be back. I think this club has all the right people in the right places and I hope the fans will have something they can really be proud of.”

Clearly starting a club and building a team from scratch is no easy task but Coveny is confident that all the hard work will be rewarded.

He said: “In Ricki Herbert, we have a coach who puts absolutely everything into the role. He is someone who pays massive attention to detail and I enjoyed working with him for the national team.

“Yes, it will take a while for everything to gel. We’ve got the four Brazilians and at this point a couple of them don’t speak too much English for example. But what we want to do is get off to a good start. That will send out a positive message.”

Positives for New Zealand football were in short supply in A-League seasons one and two and as he watched from afar, it deeply distressed Coveny.

He said: “In some eyes I think New Zealand was seen as something of a laughing stock and that didn’t sit well with me at all.

“I think it’s important that a New Zealand club can really compete at this level and that’s what we’re determined to do here at Wellington.

“Terry Serepisos deserves a lot of credit for showing faith in New Zealand football and now we have to move forward.”

Coveny, New Zealand’s record goalscorer, admits netting the opener against Sydney FC would be a special moment for him.

Sunday’s match is the Phoenix’s first real competitive match on home soil and whoever nets the opening goal will create their own little piece of history.

Coveny said: “Yes, that would be something to savour I suppose but it’s not really about that. It’s another chance for the boys to get a good workout under their belts as we build up to the first A-League game (against champion Melbourne Victory).”

Sunday’s match at Westpac Stadium kicks off at 2pm. Gates open at 1pm. Ticket prices are as follows: $10 (adults) with children under 16 gaining free admittance. Any pre-sold tickets (the match was originally scheduled to take place at Newtown Stadium) will be accepted at Westpac on the day.