THE journey to the OFC Professional League has officially begun for the Bula FC withe with the historic signing of their first player Gabiriele Matanisiga.
The 30-year-old Fijian International will join the club from Rewa FC as a centre back, marking the beginning of a new chapter for him and the Bula FC.
The Nukubalavu native brings a well of experience with 18 international caps and overseas experience after a successful stint with Wellington Olympic.
Matanisiga has been a standout player this season, his defensive brilliance has been pivotal in Rewa FC’s dominant 2025 campaign.
Winning the “Player of the Match” award at the FMF IDC tournament and the Golden Boots awards at the 2025 Pacific Community Cup, highlights the calibre of player Matanisau is, and his potential in the upcoming OFC Professional League for the Bula FC.
His football journey began in the cane field, as the eldest in his family he dropped out of school early working as a canecutter to support his family.
Despite his situation he never gave up on his football dream.
“I dropped out of school as the eldest to help my sibling chase their careers, while training while squeezing in my own training but God heard me,” he said.
“He answers or cries and feels our heart.”
Looking back on his journey he reflects that “difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations”.
As his dreams of becoming a professional footballer now becomes a reality, being the first signing of the Bula FC.
Bula FC are set to announce more signing in the coming days as they roll out their preseason preparations as a professional club in the OFC Pro League.
Rewa’s Delon Shankar and Josaia Sela have also signed for the new franchise. The duo’s official signing were made public by the club yesterday.
