AUCKLAND, New Zealand - This Saturday, when Auckland City FC travel to the capital for a pivotal National League clash against Wellington Olympic, not only will three crucial points be on the line, but so will the pride of heritage, history, and community, embodied in the coveted Mediterranean Cup.
14 October 2025
The Mediterranean Cup isn’t just silverware. It’s a symbol of the deep cultural ties between Auckland City FC, its sister club Central United, and Wellington Olympic. All three clubs were founded by migrants from the Balkan Peninsula, Croatian and Greek communities whose passion for football helped shape the sport in New Zealand.
Currently held by Auckland City FC, the Cup was last claimed in a gritty 1-0 win over Olympic in Wellington during the 2024 National League season. That victory marked the sixth win for Auckland City in this storied rivalry, which now enters its 12th chapter.
A Rivalry Forged in History
The roots of this rivalry stretch back to 1994, when Central United first faced Wellington Olympic in the Superclub National Round. Since then, the competitive fire has only grown.
At senior level, Central and Olympic have met three times, trading wins in the late ’90s. But it was in 2013 that the Mediterranean Cup was born thanks to a spirited over-35s clash in Wellington that featured everything from last-minute goalkeeper scrambles to post-match feasts and fierce footballing pride.
Peter Radonich’s vivid account of that weekend paints a picture of camaraderie, competition, and cultural celebration. From the rain-soaked streets to the sizzling smells of grilled meats wafting over Island Bay’s astro turf, it was a match that transcended the pitch. The final score? A narrow 5-4 win for Olympic, but the real victory was the bond forged between two proud footballing families.
A Cup That Connects Generations
Donated by Dennis Katsanos and his family, the Mediterranean Cup was shelved for eight years before being revived in the 2022 Chatham Cup semi-final, where Auckland City FC triumphed 3-1 over Central United. Since then, it’s become a fixture in encounters between Auckland City and Wellington Olympic, adding a layer of meaning that goes beyond league standings.
Head-to-Head Snapshot
| Date | Competition | Result |
| 05.10.24 | National League | Wellington Olympic 0–1 Auckland City FC |
| 07.09.24 | Chatham Cup Final | Wellington Olympic 1–1 (PEN 5–4) Auckland City FC |
| 16.03.24 | OFC Playoff 2nd Leg | Wellington Olympic 3–3 Auckland City FC |
| 09.03.24 | OFC Playoff 1st Leg | Auckland City FC 1–0 Wellington Olympic |
| 26.11.23 | National League GF | Auckland City FC 0–2 Wellington Olympic |
| 12.11.23 | National League | Auckland City FC 1–3 Wellington Olympic |
| 18.03.23 | OFC Playoff 2nd Leg | Auckland City FC 5–3 Wellington Olympic |
| 11.03.23 | OFC Playoff 1st Leg | Wellington Olympic 1–1 Auckland City FC |
| 04.12.22 | National League GF | Auckland City FC 3–2 Wellington Olympic |
| 01.10.22 | National League | Wellington Olympic 1–2 Auckland City FC |
| 21.08.22 | Chatham Cup | Auckland City FC 3–1 Wellington Olympic |
This Weekend: More Than a Game
With the Mediterranean Cup once again up for grabs, Saturday’s clash promises to be a celebration of football, heritage, and fierce competition.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following from afar, this is one fixture you won’t want to miss. The Mediterranean Cup awaits, and with it, another chapter in one of New Zealand football’s most heartfelt rivalries.
Let the battle begin. 🇭🇷🇬🇷🇳🇿
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