It was an historic hometown victory as Auckland FC beat five-time champions Sydney to become the first Kiwi team to take out the A-League Men’s football grand final at a jubilant Mount Smart Stadium.
“It’s awesome, just unbelievable” says the squad’s quiet hero Dan Hall, who was instrumental in Auckland FC getting to the final, scoring a crucial penalty in the quarterfinal.
“We were so excited to see that sold-out crowd and then to get the win was the cherry on top. When that final whistle blew, there was a real sense of excitement and accomplishment. All the boys just ran on to the field with happiness on their faces.”
The fans who made the difference
The secret to their success? The fans, insists Dan, 26.
“The Kiwi supporters are unreal. As soon as we stepped onto that pitch for the warm-up, we felt the support straightaway and it was like having an extra player on the team. It really helped us bring it home.”
Originally from Melbourne, Fijian-Aussie athlete Dan has previously won the championship with the Central Coast Mariners, but he’s really felt at home in Aotearoa, saying he loves “how friendly and laidback everyone is”.
A Kiwi romance
He enthuses, “There have been so many friendly people offering to help me set up my life here in Auckland, which was really nice. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Zealand. The people I spend my time with here are some of the best people I’ve ever met.”
That includes Dan’s girlfriend, Kiwi model Maya Silwood, whom he met through mutual friends at a photoshoot a year ago.
Life beyond football
He says, “It was extra-special for her to see us win because she’s an Auckland girl. When we’re not working, we love just hanging out, going to the movies and walking her dog.”
Dan confesses he had previously been approached to appear on the reality dating show Love Island Australia.
He admits, “They reached out to me and I was flattered – it boosted my ego – but I’m a footballer first and that took priority. Now I’m glad I never went on the show!”
With the FIFA World Cup kicking off this month, Dan says football is surging in popularity in New Zealand, but he adds, “It can only grow with support. There are a lot of people here who support European teams, but the talent here is definitely growing and it can compete with the best. Come down and support Auckland FC or even the Wellington Phoenix, so we can hopefully continue to grow.”
Hiroki’s our hero
After his team’s heroic victory, Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai has already signed up for another season with the squad, but the Japanese soccer star is envisioning a more permanent future in New Zealand, revealing he’s started the process of getting residency.
“I’m so happy and my family is happy to live here too,” says dad of three Hiroki, 36, a three-time World Cup veteran.
“People here are kind and not so crazy, and the city is very safe. I enjoy it.”
From rainbows to roaring fans
Asked if there’s something that’s surprised him about life in Aotearoa, he replies,
“I see a rainbow almost every day in winter. In Japan, if people see a rainbow, it’s a miracle! And New Zealand food is so good. Me and my oldest daughter love mince pies. “Speaking English all the time can be very hard, but I’m getting better. I still study every day and learn by watching the news.
“I’m captain of the team, so I have to speak to the public, but I’m happy to do that because people are so kind and nice. If our Auckland FC family is so happy, I’m happy! “Auckland FC supporters are the best in the league. Every single game, people come to the stadium and cheer us on, even when we’re losing the game. This is so incredible. In Europe and Japan, if we lose, it’s booing all the time, but here it’s always positive!”
