AS the Extra Bula FC prepares for the second round of the OFC Professional League, head coach Stéphane Auvray is optimistic about the possible debut of Christopher Wasasala.
Highlighting the veteran player’s value, Auvray said, “What he (Wasasala) brings to the team is a lot of energy, positive attitude, and as a player, he has his own ability that will give us a lot of options.
“So, I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do and hopefully he’s on top of the team.”
He also emphasised that with three games scheduled in one week, “everybody should be given game time”, allowing all players to demonstrate their contributions to the team.
Looking beyond individual talent, Auvray stressed the importance of establishing a strong team identity early in the competition.
“It’s important because then we can start looking at the future, knowing the basis, and really focus on winning games and our ambition to go as far as possible in the OFC Pro League,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting the need for consistency despite inevitable ups and downs.
Regarding motivation, Auvray expressed strong confidence in his squad’s professionalism and intrinsic drive.
“I’m a firm believer that if you meet the right players, you don’t have to motivate them,” he explained.
His role, he said, is to challenge players so they never become too comfortable, rather than to actively motivate them:
“Do I have to challenge the players to make sure that they are never in a comfort zone? Yes. But motivate the player? If I must do this, this may be a problem with my team,” he said.
Bula FC will begin the second round of the OFC pro-league against Solomon King FC today at 5.30 pm (Fiji Time) at the Santos Football National Stadium in Papua New Guinea.
