EXTRA Bula FC coach Stephane Auvray did not get carried away by his side’s 2-0 win over Tahiti United, warning that his “baby” roster still has a mountain to climb when it comes to big-match temperament.
In a display of youth development, Auvray fielded a starting 11 with a backline featuring a pair of 21-year-olds and a 18-year-old at right-back, shielding a 19-year-old goalkeeper.
The midfield was equally green, anchored by a 16-year-old and a trio of 21-year-olds.
While the energy was high, Auvray admitted that game management is still something they have to be better at.
“I am cautious that there are many things that we need to work on,” Auvray said.
“Our management sometimes in the game for the players is difficult because they don’t have enough experience. But it is the only way for them to get that experience.”
The impact of the old heads provided the maturity needed to navigate each game.
“They changed the game.
“We know we have to keep doing this for our young players to develop, so we have to try to find the right balance.”
This will be tested again today when Bula FC takes on South Island United 4pm at the National Sports Stadium in the Solomon Islands.
