A significant milestone in Fijian football was celebrated yesterday with the launch of Bula FC, marking the first professional football franchise in the country. The event took place at the Fiji Football Association’s headquarters in Vatuwaqa, Suva, with notable attendees including Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel, who played a pivotal role in this historic development.
Chairman Marc McElrath noted the launch as a realization of a long-held dream to elevate football in Fiji to a professional level. He emphasized the profound impact this franchise will have on young, aspiring footballers in the nation. “It now presents an opportunity for every child, every teenager, every footballer in Fiji to become a professional player,” McElrath articulated, underscoring the franchise’s potential to showcase local talent both locally and on international stages.
The club’s leadership team includes young football administrator Anushil Kumar as the acting chief executive and Naziah Ali Krishna as the acting chief commercial officer. Kumar expressed gratitude to Patel and Fiji FA CEO Mohammed Yusuf for helping him reach this momentous place in his career. He described this new venture as transformative, calling it a “game changer” for football in Fiji.
Ali-Krishna spoke about the essential role of media in promoting and elevating the sport, stating, “Football is not just something to watch, it’s a unifier.” The club will be guided by its newly appointed national coach, Stéphane Auvray, alongside assistant Marika Rodu, who are expected to set the foundation for a competitive team ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
This initiative reflects a broader context in which Fiji is stepping into the realm of professional football as part of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League, scheduled to begin in January 2026. With plans for multiple professional teams, Fiji aims to create opportunities for local players and enhance the overall standard of the sport in the region.
As the new league promises to elevate competition standards and create pathways for player development, excitement is building among Fijian players and fans alike. This groundbreaking moment not only signifies the potential for local talent to thrive but also aims to unite communities through their shared passion for football, paving the way for a vibrant future in Fijian sports.
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