Nando Pijnaker

Nando Zen Pijnaker (born 25 February 1999) is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a defender for Primeira Liga club Rio Ave and the New Zealand national team.

Club Career

Western Suburbs

In 2015 Pijnaker moved to Wellington to joined the Ole Football Academy, run by Declan Edge, and played for affiliated club Western Suburbs in the Central League that features teams from the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand. Pijnaker was part of the team to win the Central League twice, in 2017 and 2019, and reach the final of the 2018 Chatham Cup.

Eastern Suburbs

Through the Ole Academy partnership, Pijnaker signed for Ole affiliate Eastern Suburbs, winning the ISPS Handa Premiership and qualifying for the OFC Champions League.

Torslanda IK

Following the conclusion of New Zealand's 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign, Pijnaker joined his former coach Declan Edge at Division 2 Norra Gotaland side Torslanda IK, a club run in partnership with the Ole Academy.