YOUNG Fiji international Ibraheem Afazal wants to become a key player for Extra Bula FC in the 2027 OFC Professional League after re-signing with the club for another season.
The 19-year-old attacker is determined to make a greater impact after gaining valuable experience in his first year of professional football, which included scoring his maiden goal in the competition and making his senior international debut for Fiji.
Afazal said his transition from semi-professional football had taught him that success required more than talent, with discipline, preparation and independence playing equally important roles.
“It’s a very different environment going from semi-professional to professional football,” he said.
“I’ve learnt that football isn’t just about putting your boots on and stepping onto the field. It’s also about what you eat, how much you sleep and how you prepare your body. Everything you do off the field plays a big part in your performance on it.”
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Afazal developed his game at Mounties Wanderers FC and APIA Leichhardt FC before progressing to Sydney Olympic FC in 2025.
His performances for Fiji at under-17 and under-19 level paved the way for his first professional contract with Bula FC in 2026.
He later scored his first OFC Professional League goal against South Melbourne before making his senior international debut during Fiji’s friendly matches in Vanuatu in June.
Afazal said training alongside established Fiji internationals and experienced professionals had strengthened his belief that he could progress to higher levels of the game.
