Say hello to Jordan, Zachary, Lloyd, Emosi, Epeli, Ulalei, Lily, Tai, Jairus, and Marianne.
These are some of the kids of Mangere United, and part of what makes the club special. Initially started as a club to support the migrant Fijian population that played in the New Zealand Fiji Football Association (NZFFA), the club has expanded and opened its doors to become a magnet for people from right across the Pacific and beyond.
The club represents the diversity of Auckland, and the great things that happen when the community comes together. There’s energy, excitement, a fair bit of posing, and more than anything a desire to put on a pair of boots and get out to play.
Mohammed Imran (not pictured, too shy) was one of the founders of the club when it started back in 2000. He describes the club as one set up to provide opportunities to migrant and Pasifika communities from the South Auckland regions.
“We’re not really doing it for the medals or the acclaim; more than a football club, first and foremost we’re a community resource.
“We love our home Centre Park, a place that gives people the chance to think about nothing else but fun and football and to enjoy the beautiful game.
“It’s no secret South Auckland has some issues. It’s underfunded and probably undervalued and, in some ways, disregarded by the rest of Auckland, but here we’re all equal, all one, and all in it for the love of the game.”
