Tāmaki Makaurau , AOTEAROA – Māori Football Aotearoa’s Mangōpare Kōkiri squad came together with intent, discipline, and connection across a powerful week of football in Tāmaki Makaurau as they took on New Zealand Secondary Schools at Westlake Boys High School.
Selected not only for talent but for character, each player carried their whānau, community, and whakapapa onto the field. The Mangōpare framework — Wairua, Mahi, Kōkiri, Tū — was visible in every moment: from early communication and tactical clarity to courageous actions and collective resilience.
Training at Michaels Avenue was hastily arranged due to the recent wet weather and it focused on tactical structure and decision-making, preparing players to contribute with clarity and purpose.
Coach Daniel Cassidy said: ” The squad met pressure with composure, showing what it means to kōkiri, to advance for the collective.
“Whether leading from the back, pressing from the front, or supporting from the wings, each role was anchored in shared responsibility and the team didn’t just play — they moved together as one, which is what we ask from them.
“New Zealand Secondary Schools are a very good opponent and always present a tough challenge each year but our players did themselves and their tupuna and whanau proud.
“Mangōpare Kōkiri is more than a selection. It’s a standard. And this group rose to meet it.”
Ends
Story by MFA Media
Photo by MFA Media
