Teenager Maikah Dau made his football professional debut on Saturday when he started for Extra Bula FC against Vanuatu United FC in the opening match of the inaugural OFC Pro League.
He made his debut paired up with Fiji Football’s golden boy Roy Krishna, the country’s most famous footballer.
It would be the moment that Dau, the apprentice, would never forget as he got to play alongside the icon and captain Krishna.
“This moment goes far beyond one player or one match. Seeing a 16-year-old start in a professional league sends a powerful message to every young footballer in Fiji that dreams are valid, pathways are real, and hard work is rewarded,” Bula FC acting CEO Anushil Kumar said.
“Maikah’s debut shows that age is not a barrier when talent, discipline, and belief come together.
“We hope this inspires every 16-year-old watching today to dream bigger, train harder, and believe that one day they too can stand on this stage representing Fiji.”
It also proves that Fiji’s Football’s age-group leagues are a real pathway.
“Absolutely. This shows that our age group leagues are far more than just competitions. They are pathways.
“This is where talent is identified, nurtured, and prepared for the next level.
“Players like Maikah come through a system that starts from Primary and Secondary Schools football and is strengthened by structured programmes like the McDonald’s Talent Development League from U9 to U15.
“These competitions give young players regular exposure, discipline, and belief.
“What we are seeing today is the result of years of investment in youth development, and it proves that when the pathway is right, talent will always rise.”
Dau played the entirety of the first half before being subbed in the second half by Nabil Begg who scored the club’s second goal.
Krishna who was awarded the Man of the Match scored the side’s first goal in the 31st minute of the game.
