Fiji-born footballer Semi Nabenu is living his childhood dream by signing with Bula FC and returning to play professionally in his homeland. Although Nabenu was born in Ba and moved to New Zealand at a young age, he has always aspired to make a living through football while representing a club in Fiji.
Nabenu describes his return as a “dream come true,” emphasizing that playing football as a profession is a goal for many young players, and doing so in Fiji makes the experience even more special. After participating in brief tournament returns in recent years, he is now enjoying life back home, reconnecting with his family and settling into his new environment.
With family residing in Ba, Nabenu appreciates his surroundings, viewing them as a “home away from home.” The support from his extended family has facilitated a smooth transition, allowing him to concentrate fully on his football commitments.
On the field, he has quickly integrated into the Bula FC squad, connecting with former teammates from the Fiji Under-23 side and players he has previously faced at the senior international level. He notes that the combination of local and overseas-based players has cultivated a strong team culture where everyone feels included.
Looking to the future, Nabenu aims to contribute to the team’s success while fostering the growth of football in Fiji. He hopes Bula FC’s presence will reignite fan engagement and support for the sport in the country. “It’s pretty special to have a professional team here. I just want to see supporters get behind the team, enjoy the football and make it fun again,” he expressed.
Nabenu and his teammates are currently preparing for their first match in a fortnight. They will face Vanuatu on the 17th of this month in Auckland, New Zealand, marking an exciting new chapter in both his career and the resurgence of football in Fiji.
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