Michael Maniti
Michael James Mariona Maniti (born 5 September 2008) is a footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for the youth team of National Premier Leagues NSW Men's side SD Raiders. Born in Australia, he is of Filipino-Salvadoran heritage and currently represents the Philippines under-17 national team.
Personal life
Maniti was born in Prairiewood in New South Wales, Australia. He was born to Filipino and Salvadoran parents, with his father hailing from San Fernando, Pampanga. He is the youngest of four siblings, with his brother Jacob and sister Chantelle having previously represented the Philippines at the international level.
Football
Maniti grew up in Western Sydney, Australia. He played youth football for Cecil Hills High School as well as for various clubs in the area.
From 2017 to 2021 he played for the youth team of the then-named Mt Druitt Town Rangers, and after the COVID-19 pandemic played two seasons for the youth team of Blacktown Spartans. He made 16 appearances in the 2021 season. In 2023, he was added to the U15 team of SD Raiders. He is currently in 2026 the current captain for the National Premier League 1-Under 18s Men’s team for BlacktownCity FC in the Football NSW competition . Michael has been pivotal in guiding his team to a Premiership winning team in 2026 with one round to go- out of 30 rounds . And is part of the u19s Nationals Philippines Football Team Pool called up to train in training Camp in Manila Philippines that competed in AFF U19s Men’s Team in Indonesia June’ 2026.
Futsal
Aside from football, Maniti also played represented his state in futsal, playing in the 2024 National Futsal Championships where his team reached the semifinals of the U15 category. And in 2025 Michael represented the NSW team and making the grand final in U16s Men’s division. The year later in 2026 Michael Maniti alongside teammate Spencer Webster winning the Futsal National of Football Australia-in the Youth Men’s Division.
Athletics
Maniti also competed in athletics, particularly cross country running. In 2023, he participated in the Sydney South West Cross Country Carnival.
Philippines U17
Born to Filipino and Salvadoran parents, Maniti is eligible to represent either country at the international level. His brother, Jacob, played matches for the Philippines U23 team while his sister, Chantelle, has represented the Philippine women's senior team.
In 2024, Maniti was called up to the Philippine under-16 national team to compete in the ASEAN U-16 Boys Championship in Indonesia. He made his debut on the opening matchday against Laos. Alongside fellow Filipino-Australian teammates Anthony Moutzouris and Spencer Webster, He was called up once more to the under-17 team for the qualifiers of the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, playing all four group games, including a 7–0 win over Macau.