Opinion: Bula FC’s debut campaign offers hope for next season

Our appreciation goes to the Extra Bula FC players, coaches and management for their efforts in the inaugural Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League, despite narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot.

There is nothing to be ashamed of as Fiji’s first professional football club lived up to expectations with its never-say-die attitude.

Captain Roy Krishna led by example despite being one of the competition’s most closely marked players. He was well supported by Scott Wara, Setareki Hughes, Christopher Wasasala, Gabriele Matanisiga, Filipe Baravilala and the rest of the squad.

The coaching ability of Stephane Auvray was evident as Bula FC defeated some of the top clubs in the region and finished in the top half of the standings.

Attention now turns to next year’s OFC Pro League, where Bula FC is expected to return stronger.

With players still recovering from a demanding season, coaches will need to begin analysing the team’s performance and planning the way forward.

A review of the goalkeeping department is urgently needed, particularly whether the two expatriate goalkeepers performed to expectations. Several matches in which Bula FC either lost or settled for draws were heavily influenced by goalkeeping errors, which proved costly during the campaign.

Fiji also has several experienced local goalkeepers, including Simione Tamanisau and Akuila Mateisuva, along with Joela Biuvanua, Jitoko Vulava, Atu Naucukidi and Senirusi Bokini.

There is also a need to recruit more proven strikers such as Sairusi Nalaubu, Frances Catarogo, Merrill Nand, Ravinesh Karan Singh, Rusiate Matererega, Etonia Dogalau and Sitiveni Cavuilagi to strengthen the attack and improve the team’s goal-scoring ability.

This is all part of the learning process and, with proper guidance and player commitment, Bula FC can become a stronger force next season.