Auckland City youngster Callum McCowatt made a name for himself in the ISPS Handa Premiership 2017 – 18 season.

The 18-year-old has become a proven match-winner for the Navy Blues – scoring the winning goal on three occasions for the now seven-time champions – and did that when it mattered most in the Grand Final on Sunday afternoon in the 1-0 win at QBE Stadium in Auckland.

McCowatt was an obvious choice to win the inaugural Steve Sumner Trophy.

“I don’t have many words to say,” said McCowatt following the game. “I am happy with the result, I wasn’t going for the individual accolade but I am pleased that this trophy has been integrated into the Premiership Final, and I am happy to receive it.”

Sumner, who is famous for being the first All Whites captain to take New Zealand to the FIFA World Cup in 1982, won the national league five times (and a record six Chatham Cups) during his illustrious career at Christchurch United. From 2018, his name will be forever aligned with the ISPS Handa Premiership.

McCowatt enjoyed finding the back of the net for the ninth time this season for Auckland City in the National League in what proved to be the defining moment of the final.

“I knew that Cam [Howieson] is a great driver of the ball so once he got into that position I’d have a chance if I timed my run nicely. He slipped it through perfectly and luckily I only needed one touch. I was pleased to see it go in to the bottom corner. I have been practising those so pleased to see it come off.”

Auckland City coach Ramon Tribulietx, who continued his great record with Auckland City in claiming their ninth minor premiership and a record seventh premiership for the club, said McCowatt has been a key player throughout the season.

“He is full of talent this boy,” said the 45-year-old.  “For a young lad, he has the character and the talent to become a very good footballer. If he keeps his feet on the ground he could go a long way. We have to be very careful with these guys, they are very young, and they need to understand it is not all easy. If he keeps his feet on the ground and continue doing what he is doing at the moment he will get up there.”

McCowatt has enjoyed every moment of this season as he finished second on Auckland City’s goal scorers list for the ISPS Handa Premiership behind Golden Boot winner Emiliano Tade (18). 

“I love this team. It is really good fun being able to play with them all. Under the guidance of Ramon, it has been a great season. I don’t think there is any doubt that Auckland City have been the benchmark for New Zealand Football and long may it continue.”

“I am looking forward to what the future holds after this year. I know that I have to keep my feet on the ground. This is just the start and hopefully I can go on to bigger and better things in my career.”

McCowatt and Auckland City have little time to celebrate their first ISPS Handa Premiership success in three years. They are straight back into action with the OFC Champions League with Team Wellington this weekend.

Team Wellington, looking to win the OFC Champions League for the first time, will face Lae City Dwellers FC on Saturday at David Farrington Park, while the Navy Blues take on the Solomon Warriors in their quarterfinal on Sunday at Kiwitea St.

If both teams advance to the semi-finals they will meet again in a home and away contest for a place in the OFC Champions League Final.