Manukau Reign Supreme

Photo: PhototechNZ

Winning the Lotto NRFL Championship and securing promotion back into the Northern League isn't just a victory for Manukau United's mens team, but a statement that South Auckland football is on the rise, according to the team's head coach Gordon Paulsen.

“This means a lot for our club and our community,” Paulsen says. 

“We’ll now be the only South Auckland team competing at this level. It’s a fantastic achievement and something everyone involved can be proud of.”

The promotion marks a return for Manukau United, who were relegated two seasons ago. 

Last year they narrowly missed out, losing in a playoff on penalties. This season, however, they pushed through, overcoming an early stumble to go on a strong winning run.

Paulsen credits the team’s success to culture and unity. 

"We’ve built an inclusive culture where players love the club and know what it means. Some of our squad have played professionally, others are still developing, but they’ve all bought into a common goal,” he says. 

“United we stand, together we achieve – that’s our motto.”

Depth also played a key role. 

“Last season we didn’t quite have it, but this year we did. Even when players were out, our performances stayed consistent,” Paulsen explains.

For the coach, community support has been vital. Fans followed the team across Auckland and beyond, and young local players have been inspired by the journey.

“We can’t do what we do without our community,” Paulsen says. 

“We encourage more kids in South Auckland to take up football. Sport teaches life lessons you don’t always get elsewhere – teamwork, resilience, positivity.”

As Manukau United prepares for the challenges of the Northern League, Paulsen is confident. “We’ve changed the narrative. The club is stronger, the culture is right, and with our community behind us, we’ll keep building.”