History of Boca 60s - Early Days
The Unabridged History of Zamantix Rovers/Boca 60s AFC
A Green Lane Supermarket
Once upon a time, long ago - well for some 1988 seems like a long time ago - 2 young men had an accidental meeting at a Green lane supermarket that lead to the creation of the phenomenon we know now as Zamantix Rovers/Boca 60s. Philip van der Klift was just popping in to Foodtown Greenlane for a 6 pack of ultra thins when he bumped into Vernon Lu.
Inaugural Season
Vern and Philip had played together under the leadership of a tattoed ex bikie from Finland in the Eden AFC 3rd team the previous season - when Philip suggested they set up their own team. To cut a long story short the inaugural season of 1989 saw them kick off in the yellow shirts of Eden AFC - original members included Vern, Philip, Garth Settle, Johnny Schollum, Digs, Wong Toi,Craig Wall, Jeff Yin, Mark Wong, Robert Lamont - in short anyone we could get our hands on. The next season was notable only for the addition of Pumpky Lewis - a mainstay and driving force of the side for the next 20 years, and who knows maybe many more! Highlight of the season - a 5-0 win on Waiheke with 10 men.
Move to Merton Road
In 1991 the team upped roots and took up residence at University Park, Merton Road - a club Philip had played for nearly 10 years before. University Park had top class facilities unlike the rather dour offerings of Eden. So there we were, the first year known as the Dons and the next the Lads. Philip the coach, Johnny the manager. Everything remained hunky dory with Hamish MacDonald and Andrew vanderlaan eventually opting to join forces from their own Uni team - until suddenly in 93 the news that Philip was off to further his career and pay packet in the land of nips. Fortunately, and thankfully the team rallied and by 1995 were still going strong.
In 1996 Philip was back at the helm and over the years more and more household names (well they're known in their own households) were added - Semih Kayikci, Mark (Baggio)Masterson, David King. And then there was Wayne Howett.
Joining the ASFA
In 1999 Wayne initiated the most telling of all moves when the team crossed the divide into Sunday football. The league offered lower fees and referees for most games. By now Wayne was firmly in charge, with Philip no more than a mere figurehead. The team was completely transformed - new kit, new ground - Fortress Simson, new league and a new name - Zaman Rovers!
A Green Lane Supermarket
Once upon a time, long ago - well for some 1988 seems like a long time ago - 2 young men had an accidental meeting at a Green lane supermarket that lead to the creation of the phenomenon we know now as Zamantix Rovers/Boca 60s. Philip van der Klift was just popping in to Foodtown Greenlane for a 6 pack of ultra thins when he bumped into Vernon Lu.
Inaugural Season
Vern and Philip had played together under the leadership of a tattoed ex bikie from Finland in the Eden AFC 3rd team the previous season - when Philip suggested they set up their own team. To cut a long story short the inaugural season of 1989 saw them kick off in the yellow shirts of Eden AFC - original members included Vern, Philip, Garth Settle, Johnny Schollum, Digs, Wong Toi,Craig Wall, Jeff Yin, Mark Wong, Robert Lamont - in short anyone we could get our hands on. The next season was notable only for the addition of Pumpky Lewis - a mainstay and driving force of the side for the next 20 years, and who knows maybe many more! Highlight of the season - a 5-0 win on Waiheke with 10 men.
Move to Merton Road
In 1991 the team upped roots and took up residence at University Park, Merton Road - a club Philip had played for nearly 10 years before. University Park had top class facilities unlike the rather dour offerings of Eden. So there we were, the first year known as the Dons and the next the Lads. Philip the coach, Johnny the manager. Everything remained hunky dory with Hamish MacDonald and Andrew vanderlaan eventually opting to join forces from their own Uni team - until suddenly in 93 the news that Philip was off to further his career and pay packet in the land of nips. Fortunately, and thankfully the team rallied and by 1995 were still going strong.
In 1996 Philip was back at the helm and over the years more and more household names (well they're known in their own households) were added - Semih Kayikci, Mark (Baggio)Masterson, David King. And then there was Wayne Howett.
Joining the ASFA
In 1999 Wayne initiated the most telling of all moves when the team crossed the divide into Sunday football. The league offered lower fees and referees for most games. By now Wayne was firmly in charge, with Philip no more than a mere figurehead. The team was completely transformed - new kit, new ground - Fortress Simson, new league and a new name - Zaman Rovers!
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