Fiji’s first professional football club, Bula FC, have arrived in New Zealand ahead of their historic debut match this weekend.
The club will face Vanuatu United FC on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland, marking the beginning of Fiji’s inaugural professional league season.
It is a milestone that head coach Stephane Auvray describes as a massive achievement in a very short timeframe. While he believes the team can be competitive, he cautioned that this maiden year will be a “learning curve” with expected “teething problems”.
The 30-member squad is a blend of local Fijian talent and international experience, featuring players from Japan, France, and New Zealand.
Veteran forward Roy Krishna, a well-known figure in Oceania football, returns to the fold to help Fiji in its professional transition. Krishna, who has spent much of his career playing overseas, said he was proud of making history with the club.
“When you are young… you dream to be in a professional environment,” Krishna said.
He highlighted his role in mentoring the squad’s younger players, pointing out that a professional environment requires discipline and sacrifice rather than “babysitting”.
Among those looking to learn from Krishna is 16-year-old Maikah Dau, the youngest player in the team. Dau, who described the opportunity as a “proud moment” for his family, will be playing alongside teammates twice his age and established national stars.
The club’s professional ambitions are further bolstered by international recruits like Japanese midfielder Yuta Konagaya.
Konagaya joined the club after being spotted by the coaching staff during the recent Pacific Community Cup tournament in New Zealand. Konagaya featured for the Auckland All Stars during the tournament, who finished runners-up behind Rewa FC. Konagaya admitted the transition has been “tough” but rewarding.
“We are building up from scratch,” he said, adding that he hopes to lead the younger players through his actions on the pitch rather than just words.
The squad also includes French goalkeeper Didier Desprez and forward Kaile Auvray, adding further European experience to the lineup.
The historic clash kicks off at 2pm this Saturday. For the players and Fiji, the match represents more than just a game; it is the first step in what Krishna describes as a “great future” for football in the region.
“It’s gonna take time for the clubs to adjust and develop,” Krishna said. “But yeah, I think the future looks great.”
Photos: Extra Bula FC
