New Zealand goalkeeper Kees Sims has joined Norwegian second-division club FK Haugesund on a season-long loan. The 23-year-old moves from Swedish Allsvenskan side GAIS to bolster Haugesund's options after injuries and suspensions hit their goalkeeping department.
The deal was confirmed this week. Haugesund's sporting director Kristoffer Haraldseid stated the club is working to register Sims in time for their next league match against Bryne. "We are very happy to bring Kees to FK Haugesund," Haraldseid said. "He is a solid goalkeeper who solves the challenge we have."
Why did Haugesund need a new goalkeeper?
The move comes as a direct response to a crisis between the posts for the Norwegian club. First-choice keeper Per Kristian Bråtveit has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury. His backup, Frank Stople, was sent off in Haugesund's previous league fixture, leaving the squad dangerously short. Sims, who stands 1.94 metres tall, becomes the first New Zealander to represent the club. He brings experience from over 40 appearances in Sweden's lower divisions and 26 games in the Swedish top flight with GAIS.
What is Kees Sims' background with New Zealand?
Sims has been a consistent performer for New Zealand at youth level. He represented the nation at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina and was part of the squad for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. His form has since earned him call-ups to the senior All Whites squad. The senior team's current focus is the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, where they sit fourth in their group with one point from three matches. Their recent form shows two draws and three losses in their last five outings, including a heavy 5-1 defeat to group leaders Belgium in June. You can track the team's progress in our standings and view the full squad list.
Where does Sims fit into the All Whites' plans?
The loan move offers Sims regular first-team football in a competitive European league, which is vital for his development ahead of crucial international windows. New Zealand's next fixture is an away match against China on September 27. Securing playing time at Haugesund will keep him in contention for selection as the All Whites look to improve on a goal difference of minus six, having scored four and conceded ten in qualifying so far. The team trails Belgium by four points in the group table.
What are the details of his club career?
Born in England, Sims played his youth football in Wellington with Western Suburbs and the Wellington Phoenix academy before moving to Sweden in 2022. He spent two seasons with third-tier side Ljungskile SK before joining GAIS in early 2024. His performances there led to a contract extension in January 2025, tying him to the Swedish club until the end of 2028. This loan allows him to gain valuable experience while remaining a GAIS asset. Previous reports have linked him with interest from English clubs, including a training stint with Leicester City in 2023. His next challenge is to help Haugesund climb the Norwegian OBOS-ligaen table. The All Whites' next World Cup qualifier is on September 27 against China.
