With Auckland dominating club football in Oceania, this will be their 12th appearance at the Club World Cup, more than any other side.
They came third in 2014, but this year the format has been dramatically changed from previously only having seven sides to now having 32, with 12 from Europe, including Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea.
But before they go head-to-head with reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern, whose squad includes England’s record goalscorer Harry Kane, Auckland have been keen to enjoy every moment while in the United States.
“We got to spend a few days in Washington and went to see the White House and a few of the monuments, which was cool,” added Kilkolly.
“A lot of us haven’t been to America before so to have a little bit of free time where we could go out and see a lot of the history in the city was awesome.
“The facilities, training grounds have been amazing, and it was also good to get out and see the White House and all these things that you only really see on TV or on the news.”
Kilkolly says his side could compete at the highest level and cause some shock results.
“It’s a really amazing opportunity and it’s exciting,” he said. “We know we have got three games and it’s not the case if we win one game we stay on. We can prepare for a whole tournament and have the opportunity to grow, show our personalities and what we’re capable of.”
