Cameron Howieson had tears in his eyes after the whistle blew on the A-League men’s football final at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old midfielder scored the only goal to seal a 1-0 win for Auckland FC over Sydney FC that clinched the A-League title in the New Zealand club’s second season.
‘‘I’m just over the moon for the boys,’’ Howieson said as he deflected praise for his own performance that earned him the Joe Marston Medal for player of the final.
‘‘We have such a great group here. It’s amazing to be part of it and to be champions ... and a great time to score my first goal.’’
Howieson was born in Blenheim but spent some of his formative years as a Mosgiel junior and started his secondary education at Otago Boys’ High School.
His prodigious talent led to recruitment by the Lincoln-based Asia Pacific Football Academy, after which he spent time on the books at English club Burnley and Scottish club St Mirren.
But despite earning New Zealand age group representation and progressing to the All Whites, Howieson spent the prime of his career plugging away in the domestic league for Auckland City.
That was until the start-up professional club came calling.
Howieson was one of Auckland FC’s first signings, and after helping the club to the minor premiership in their first season, he can now call himself an A-League champion.
‘‘It means the world to me,’’ Howieson told Sky Sport.
‘‘I think a lot of people know that I spent a lot of time out of the professional game and to come back into it at 30 years of age, and after last year winning the premiers plate and then the grand final today, it just tops it off.’’
Howieson’s goal came in the 60th minute of a tense final.
Sydney FC failed to clear a ball, and when it sat up for Howieson, he put the laces through it and scored his debut goal via a deflection.
‘‘I was obviously very happy to score. I think the boys were very happy for me as well to get my first goal for the club.’’
