Setareki Hughes described his visit to the McDonald’s League in Suva yesterday as a “full‑circle” moment, saying the thrill of children flocking for photos and autographs felt like a childhood fantasy realised. The 30‑year‑old midfielder, a veteran of Bula FC — Fiji’s first professional football club — said the event rekindled memories of growing up in a village and the school competitions that set him on his path.
Hughes traced his football beginnings to Dreketi Indian Primary School in Vanua Levu before progressing to Saraswati High School and Bhawani Dayal Arya College in Nausori. The Bua native called those early years “unforgettable,” crediting them with laying the foundation for his career, which included representing Rewa earlier in his playing days and ultimately joining the pioneering professional Bula FC squad.
Although Hughes was unable to spend extended time with all the participants at the Suva event, he said the enthusiasm shown by the youngsters was striking. “I just feel blessed; it just feels different I would say. I thank God for this experience, and I hope the kids all had fun,” he told organisers and reporters. He noted that while fans have asked for photos before, the excitement among the McDonald’s League children felt particularly special.
Beyond the warm interaction with young fans, Hughes used the platform to urge discipline and dedication. His message to aspiring players was straightforward: stay disciplined and work hard. “With hard work and commitment, young players can achieve anything in life,” he said, stressing that personal sacrifice and focus remain central to progressing in the sport.
Hughes also highlighted the broader role of youth tournaments such as the McDonald’s League. He said events like these give children from around the country opportunities to enjoy football while providing a practical stage for scouts and coaches to spot talent and channel promising players into development pathways. For a country building its professional structures, he argued, grassroots competitions are critical to sustaining growth.
The appearance came as part of Bula FC’s increasing visibility both on and off the field. The club has been active in bolstering its squad and profile in recent seasons, and Hughes’ participation underscores how senior players can help bridge professional football and community development. For many young players at the McDonald’s League, meeting a veteran midfielder who rose through school competitions to play professionally served as an immediate example of the pathways Hughes advocates.
Hughes left organisers and parents with a hopeful note that the event not only entertained but also served as a launchpad for the next generation of Fijian talent. He thanked the organisers and expressed his wish that the league will continue to bring joy and opportunity to children across Fiji.
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