Fiji’s national men’s football team head coach, Stéphane Auvray, will simultaneously oversee the newly established professional football franchise, Bula FC, as it prepares for its inaugural season in the OFC Professional League. This unique dual role will allow Auvray to implement his coaching strategies across both the national team and the club, which many hope will foster greater synergy and improvement in Fijian football overall.
Auvray, who has an impressive background in football, will be supported by Marika Rodu, the national assistant coach. This collaboration aims to guide Bula FC through its debut in a league that runs from January to April 2026. Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel expressed that this arrangement not only makes practical sense but is also financially savvy given the brief OFC Pro League season.
Patel stated, “If you appoint a skilled coach, it’s financially viable and logical to second them to the pro league side, and then they return to the national team.” Auvray’s priority is initially to prepare the national team for the upcoming MSG Prime Minister’s Cup to be held in Papua New Guinea next month, after which he will commence Bula FC’s pre-season activities in December.
The launch of the OFC Professional League is set to take place in Auckland, New Zealand, next Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for both Fiji and the region. The league is expected to elevate competitive standards and provide a pathway for local talent to shine internationally. With its strong emphasis on nurturing player development, there is collective optimism for Bula FC’s role in enhancing the football landscape in Fiji.
Both the establishment of Bula FC and Auvray’s coaching leadership represent a hopeful turning point for football in Fiji, indicating a commitment to revitalizing the sport and developing homegrown talents capable of competing at higher levels. As anticipation builds for the league’s commencement, the collaboration between the national team and the professional club establishes a promising framework for the future of Fijian football.