Extra Bula FC is gearing up for a challenging series of matches in circuit three of the OFC Pro League, facing a tight schedule with four games lined up and only two days of recovery between each match. The team’s first contest will be against Vanuatu United on Sunday, followed by a midweek match against Hekari United. Next up is a fixture against Solomon Kings FC on Saturday, concluding with a game against South Island United scheduled for March 3.
In light of this demanding timetable, head coach Stephane Auvray has announced a strategic plan to rotate players who are injury-free across the matches. He highlighted the importance of each player’s participation in preparing for these back-to-back fixtures, stating, “We have four games in Australia which is a lot because we only have two days of recovery in between. Just like what we did in the last round, all the players that did not start game one will start game two because of the short recovery time.” This approach not only allows for effective team management but also fosters inclusivity within the squad.
Auvray emphasized the significance of team chemistry, mentioning the importance of frequent mixing of players during training to ensure adaptability in various game scenarios. He believes it is critical that every player gets time on the pitch, reinforcing, “Everybody must play; it is so important. I think that most of the players understand that there is no starter, everybody has a chance to play.”
Unfortunately, four players will be out due to injuries. Gabiriele Matanisiga is struggling with back issues, while Ryan Naresh, Delon Shankar, and Veleni Rasorewa are also on the mend. Auvray pointed out that while Naresh had been getting back to form, he faced an injury setback in New Zealand. There is reason for optimism, however, as younger players like Veleni show promise and are making progress in their recovery.
The match against Vanuatu United is set to kick off at 1 PM at the Olympic Village in Melbourne, Australia. Extra Bula FC aims to leverage their squad depth and collective strength to navigate this challenging set of fixtures successfully. Both fans and players are hopeful that with a thoughtful rotation strategy and diligent preparation, the team can achieve favorable outcomes in the league.