2026 Sapphire Cup Final Preview: UNSW FC vs Manly United FC
The 2026 Sapphire Cup Final is locked in, with two NPL Women’s NSW sides UNSW FC and Manly United FC set to battle for the first piece of silverware on offer this season, with both clubs chasing their maiden Sapphire Cup title.
It promises to be a landmark occasion for both teams, who have earned their place in the decider through impressive semi-final performances, setting up a historic clash under lights at Valentine Sports Park.
UNSW FC booked their place in the final after a dramatic and hard-fought 2-1 semi-final victory over Hills United, continuing a breakthrough cup campaign defined by resilience in tight matches.
Manly United FC advanced with a composed and professional 2-0 win over Northern Tigers, with a strong second-half performance securing their spot in the decider on home soil.
With both sides now just one win away from history, the stage is set for a blockbuster final between two clubs hungry to claim their first Sapphire Cup crown.
The teams already met earlier in the 2026 NPL Women’s NSW season in Round 9, where UNSW FC claimed a 2-1 win at Cromer Park. On that occasion, the match was tightly contested, with Manly striking first through Brinley Gentle before UNSW responded in the second half via Poppy Channing and a late winner from Bianca Galic.
Key players to watch
Manly United will look to goalkeeper Jodie Drever, alongside a solid defensive unit featuring Phoebe Gilbane, Grace Arnold, Emma Bates and Ruby Jackson. In attack, Brinley Gentle, Ellie Kerr and Emily Minett have been key contributors, supported by Kayla Osborn and midfield leader Chloe O’Brien. Manly United are coached by Tom Hopley.
UNSW FC also enter the final with a squad full of match-winners under coach Zoran Naumovski. Goalkeeper Erin Nayler has been in strong form, while the defensive unit of Leia Puxty, Aya Yamahata, skipper Angelique Hristodoulou and emerging talent Poppy Channing have been instrumental throughout the campaign.
Going forward, UNSW boast significant attacking depth, including Demi Koulizakis, Lexie Moreno, Chloe Smith, Abbey Lemon, midfield influence Skye Casacchia, and striker Milan Hammond among a host of threats.
With history on the line for both clubs, the Sapphire Cup Final promises to be a tightly contested and high-quality encounter between two sides who have proven they can rise to the occasion.
The Sapphire Cup Final will be played on Wednesday 15 July at Valentine Sports Park, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm.
The match will also be streamed live and exclusive on Football NSW’s YouTube channel.
