Fiji is entering a new era in football as Stéphane Auvray has been appointed the head coach of the national men’s team and will also lead Bula FC, the country’s first professional football club, in the upcoming OFC Professional League. This strategic dual role was confirmed by Fiji Football Association President Rajesh Patel during the official launch of Bula FC.
Auvray, who has an extensive background in coaching and playing, is set to be aided by national assistant coach Marika Rodu. Together, they will prepare to navigate Bula FC through its inaugural season, starting in January 2026. Patel noted that having a skilled coach like Auvray overseeing both the national and professional teams is both financially prudent and beneficial for maintaining high coaching standards across the board.
At present, Auvray is focusing on preparing the national team for the upcoming MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Papua New Guinea next month. Post-tournament, attention will shift to Bula FC’s pre-season preparations in December.
This marks a significant milestone for Fijian football as the OFC Professional League is set to feature top clubs from across the Pacific, providing a vital platform for local players. The inclusion of Bula FC promises to stimulate the football scene, offering young talents in Fiji the opportunity to advance their careers and strive for professional athlete status.
Additionally, the recent launch of Bula FC represents not just the birth of a new club but also signifies broader ambitions for professionalizing football in Fiji. The supportive structures being put in place aim to enhance the standard of the sport across the region, while fostering greater community engagement and excitement around football.
The establishment of a professional league is anticipated to bring about a vibrant future for Fijian football, creating various pathways for the development of local talent and elevating competition standards within Oceania’s football landscape. As preparations for the league intensify, the burgeoning enthusiasm among players and fans signals a hopeful and promising chapter for this sport in Fiji.
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