Japanese midfielder Yuta Kongaya is entering an exciting new phase in his football career as Extra Supermarket Bula FC gears up for the inaugural OFC Professional League opener this weekend. Kongaya, whose football journey has taken him through Japan, Greece, and New Zealand, views his transfer to Fiji as an unexpected blessing that arose from his performance in a tournament in New Zealand, where he captured the attention of Bula FC’s coaching staff.
“This wasn’t part of my original plan. I wanted to return to Europe, but the coach saw me playing in New Zealand, and that’s how this opportunity came about,” Kongaya shared, highlighting the serendipitous nature of his career path.
Upon his arrival in Fiji, Kongaya has found the transition into a professional environment to be both challenging and fulfilling. Bula FC is striving to uphold standards appropriate for a professional league, signifying a significant step for both the club and the country as they embark on this new venture. “It’s a new challenge not just for Bula FC, but for Fiji as a country. This is the first professional club and the first professional league, so as players and as a club, we are working very hard to prepare properly. It’s tough, but we’re enjoying it,” he noted.
With the kickoff just days away, Kongaya stated that the team is beginning to gel, with dynamics strengthening and a cohesive style of play taking shape. “We’re building everything from scratch, but the understanding between players is getting better every day. We’re excited and can’t wait to finally play at the stadium,” he expressed.
In his role as one of the more seasoned players, Kongaya is committed to guiding younger teammates through the rigors of professional football, believing that true leadership is best shown through one’s performance on the pitch. Bula FC’s opening match against Vanuatu United FC is highly anticipated, with Kongaya emphasizing the excitement shared among the players as they prepare to make their mark in this historic league debut.
This new chapter not only represents a pivotal moment in Kongaya’s career but also signifies a growing ambition in Fijian football, offering hope for the future development of the sport in the region.
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