Max Mata Auckland FC Striker. Photo: Getty Images
“I always believed in myself. I’ve always been that way.” Max Mata Auckland FC striker
If there is anything that Max Mata understands fully, it’s the importance of hard work.
Having carved out a career in football in different areas of the world, the 24 year old who is of Cook Islands descent, was mentally prepped right from the get go, locking in and staying focused.
Nowadays, he finds himself back in his hometown of Auckland, honing his craft with the A League in-form side Auckland FC.
From being on the bench and sometimes not making the lineup, Mata has elevated himself as a main asset of the starting lineup, scoring goals and being a nuisance for defenders.
“I always believed in myself. I’ve always been that way,” Mata said
“Being on the bench, the main thing for me was just to push myself every day and you know an opportunity might come where I get a chance to to prove myself, and I feel like I did that.”
Having the chance to wear the Auckland FC jersey means a lot for Mata, who calls Auckland his hometown.
“Growing up. I never had a boyhood club, so I never knew what that felt like to support the club of your city, and now it exists. So having that is very special, and to be involved in the first season is also something pretty amazing.”
Mata earned his first start for the side in their victory over Melbourne City. He also scored his first goal in the A-League in the same match.
Progressing through the season, Mata credits the “tight knit” team environment and head coach Steve Corica for pushing him.
“With Steve it’s quite simple. It’s all about working hard for the team, you know. You give everything you have for the team,” Mata said when referring to his coach.
“At the end of the day the most important thing is winning, and our style of football is predominantly based on working together and being a tight knit group.”
“I think knowing that’s what he was expecting of me. All I had to do was focus on that.”
Tomorrow, Mata will be needing all of the focus he can get for the all New Zealand derby between Auckland FC and Wellington Phoenix.
The teams have gone head to head a couple of times now, with Auckland FC winning both encounters.
Their clash on Saturday at a sold out Go Media Stadium is shaping up to be another fiery addition to the rivalry between the two clubs.
“We both want to be the better team on the day” Mata said
“We know a lot of the Phoenix boys personally, a lot of them know us. So it’s definitely a game that we take seriously, and we really look forward to playing.”
