Extra Bula FC coach Stéphane Auvray has shifted the focus for the club’s immediate goals in the OFC Pro League from pure results to measurable growth, saying improvement across the squad over the next round of fixtures will be the clearest sign of success. Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s home fixture, Auvray framed the upcoming three-game circuit as an opportunity to see real development rather than simply chasing points.
“That we finish the round and we can all say there was even more growth in this team. If there is growth at the end of the three games, that will be a successful round,” Auvray said, underlining his priority on progress. He pointed to last month’s “last circuit”, when Extra Bula scored five goals but — in his assessment — did not perform as well as the scoreline suggested. “We finished the last circuit scoring five goals but didn’t play so well. So if we can have a good balance between both, that would be a good sign of growth.”
Auvray’s definition of growth goes beyond attacking returns. He warned that attacking output must be matched by consistent overall performance levels if the team is to move forward. That includes tactical coherence, defensive stability and match fitness across the entire squad — areas the coach expects to see tighter over the three upcoming league matches.
Selection will also hinge on standards in training and behaviour off the pitch, Auvray added. He singled out discipline and attitude as non-negotiable criteria for inclusion. “It’s very good. Once you set expectations clearly and there are consequences, things become very easy. This is something we never had to worry about,” he said, referring to standards he established since taking charge of the side.
Auvray confirmed there are minor injury concerns affecting “one or two important players” in the squad, but stressed those cases are being managed by the club’s physios and that he remains hopeful key personnel will be available. He did not name the players or give timelines for their returns, indicating the issues are not long-term but worth monitoring heading into the next set of fixtures.
With home support forecast for tomorrow’s match, Auvray made an appeal to fans to attend and help drive the team. “Please come support us. Expect maximum effort from us. Keep supporting us whether we are leading or not. We need the fans to push us. We will do our best, please do your best as well,” he said, underscoring how important the coach views crowd energy in shaping performance and morale.
The coach’s comments represent the latest development in Extra Bula’s campaign in the OFC Pro League, signalling a tactical and cultural reset focused on sustainable improvement rather than short-term results. How the squad responds to the call for greater balance, discipline and resilience over the coming three games will be the clearest indicator of whether Auvray’s growth-first approach gains traction.
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