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. He is the youngest of four siblings, with his brother Jacob and sister Chantelle having previously represented the Philippines at the international level.

Career 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.

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.

Athletics Maniti also competed in athletics, particularly cross country running. In 2023, he participated in the Sydney South West Cross Country Carnival.

International career 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.