CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Monday that forward Jesse Randall had been called up to the New Zealand U-23 National Team for the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Olympic Qualifier.

New Zealand will host tournament that kicks off on August 27 in Auckland. The side will face Papua New Guinea and Fiji in the group stage, with the top two teams advancing to the Semifinals. The tournament winner will advance as Oceania’s representative at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Randall has been a player on the rise in New Zealand’s camp recently. He started for the U-22 team in a pair of friendlies against China’s U-24 squad in March, playing a key role in winning both games. Now he will have a chance to help New Zealand punch its ticket to the 2024 Olympic Games.

“Being called up to represent my country is a special moment for me and my family,” said Randall. “Qualifying for the Olympics is of huge significance for me and my teammates. It’s a very exciting opportunity that could be a once-in-a-lifetime one. I’m excited to get into camp and get started so we can work towards that goal.

“I’m extremely grateful to be able to put the fern on and I’m very excited to keep the momentum going with this group after a couple of strong performances against China earlier in the year.”

Randall has made five appearances since joining the Battery in the USL Championship, all coming off the substitutes bench, while also making a pair of appearances in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.