Scott Wara, a defender for Fiji’s first-ever professional football club, Bula FC, describes the experience as both historic and deeply personal. He sees this new professional setup as a transformative shift for the local football landscape, enhancing standards and opening much-needed pathways for aspiring players to consider football as a feasible career in their home country.
Having previously played professionally in the United Kingdom, Wara feels tremendous pride in this milestone, which he views not only as a personal achievement but also as a tribute to his family and cultural roots. He articulated the significance of this moment, stating, “It’s a massive achievement for me and my family to be playing professional football, back in professional football, not only professionally but obviously back in Fiji, which is my home country. So yeah, it’s a massive honour for me and my family.”
Wara’s sentiment is echoed by his teammates, all of whom are excited to be part of this groundbreaking journey in Fijian football. He remarked, “It’s massive,” emphasizing the unique opportunity they all have to contribute to the development of the sport in Fiji.
Since the launch of Bula FC, Wara has noted a marked improvement in the standards of the game, with more competitive players and a higher level of play. “It’s a different environment. It’s an environment that I’ve been in before, so it’s good to move that same sort of environment back here, back into my home country,” he said.
Wara aspires that this pivotal moment will inspire young footballers across Fiji to pursue their dreams tenaciously, regardless of how unattainable they may seem at times. He shared his own journey, reflecting on moments when he felt his dreams were slipping away after leaving the professional realm. “Just keep working hard. An opportunity could come around the corner,” he encouraged.
With Bula FC’s establishment, Wara and his teammates are laying the groundwork for future generations of athletes, signaling a hopeful future for football development in Fiji. This professional framework not only enhances the competitive spirit in local football but also instills a sense of possibility that dreams can be achieved through hard work and determination.