Ibraheem Afazal is Bula FC’s 24th signing after impressing head coach Stephane Auvray earlier this month with a dominant performance at Bula FC trails.
The 18-year-old joins the club from Sydney FC and says the achievement is a proud moment for him and his family.
“I’ve always dreamed of signing a profession contract it’s a dream come true for me and my parents all thanks to god for making this possible,” Afazal said.
Born and raised in Sydney, Afazal signing highlights his strong Fijian roots through his father who was born and raised in Nadi while his mother is originally from Labasa.
His love for football began early, watching his older brother play from the sidelines, with his parents constantly pushing and supporting him, the dream quickly became clear.
Following in his brother’s footsteps Afazal carved his own football journey beginning at the Mounties Wanderers FC (U9–U13) before stepping up with APIA Leichhardt FC (U14–U18), where his talent continued to shine on bigger stages.
He is no stranger to local football representing Fiji at the international stage in the national U17 and U19.
Earning man of the match honours at OFC U17 and U19 level, the youngster was destined for a professional career, a dream he now fulfills with Bula FC.
With the OFC pro league closing in fast, Afazal hopes to capture more man of the match honours in his professional debut.
Along with Afazal, two more overseas- based players have also joined the team.
This includes 20-year-old Auckland mid-fielder Fergus Gillion and 19-year-old Kiwi goalkeeper Matthew Foord.
Gillion spent time with the Phoenix Reserves before stepping up to the senior professional environment in 2023.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to sign my first professional contract with Bula FC. It’s an honor to represent the club, and I’m excited to work hard every day, contribute to the team’s success, and grow as a player here in Fiji,” he said on his move to Bula FC.
He has represented New Zealand five times at the U19 level and played a key role for the Junior All Whites during their U20 World Cup campaign, where he made three appearances against the world’s best young talent.
Foord on the other hand has come through respected clubs including Waimak United, Christchurch United, Cashmere Technical, and most recently the Wellington Phoenix Reserves.
He represented New Zealand at the OFC U17 Qualifiers in 2023, where he played a crucial role in the team’s championship run.
Speaking on his move to Bula FC, Foord shared his excitement about starting this new chapter:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to sign a professional contract with Bula FC. The group has been very welcoming and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.
“When I was approached by a club outside of New Zealand, it was the kind of move I’d been looking for. When the call came, it was a no-brainer, and a few days later I was on a plane ready to get started.”
His standout performances earned him the Golden Glove award, as well as Man of the Match in the Final.
He went on to feature at the FIFA U17 World Cup, and later gained experience at the U20 Invitational Cup
Mathew Foord. Picture: BULA FC
