New Zealand: Manukau United interested on joining ISPS Handa Premiership

The major football league from New Zealand is the ISPS Handa Premiership that used to be contested by ten clubs. However it is going to change as only eight teams are confirmed for the next ISPS Handa Premiership season as Tasman United and Southern United merged with Canterbury for the next season. The news that only eight teams will compete next season was not so good, but football fans are waiting for new clubs to join the championship, and one of this teams can be Manukau United.

It was reported by Manukau United’s official media that the club has applied for a National League license with the aim of participating in New Zealand’s major football league: “After a lot of tireless work over many years by a lot of wonderful people we’re pleased to announce that Manukau United Football Club has applied for a NZF National League license with the view of competing in the top tier of club football in Aotearoa,” stated the club on social media.

Manukau United were formed through a merger of Manukau City and Mangere United in 2018 and they play Lotto NRFL Premier Men’s – one of the most important leagues from winter football season in the country. The team owned by Hone Fowler counts on many players from smaller nations like Kishan Sami and Rahul Naresh from Fiji: “Excited about Manukau United applying for a National League licence in New Zealand. I was given my first opportunity to play in Auckland through the New Zealand National Football League and I am sure more doors will open for Pacific Island youngsters through this. Well done Manukau United Football Club,” said Fijian legend Roy Krishna.

No new teams have entered the league since 2016. At the time, Eastern Suburbs, Hamilton Wanderers and Tasman United joined the Premiership as part of a league expansion project. Oceania Football Center wish good luck to Manukau United in the process.