BULA FC has added three more exciting talents to its roster including Ba natives Ryan Naresh, 17-year-old Melvin Prakash and Labasa striker Christopher Wasasala.
Midfielder Ryan Naresh is no stranger to the sport of football, having followed in the footsteps of his father Rinal Naresh and brother Rahul Naresh.
After primary school, Ryan rose through the ranks from U15-19 and at the age of 17, he was already part of the senior men’s Ba football team.
“This means a lot to me. It’s my first big step and I just want to make everyone proud…my family, the people of Ba, everyone who believed in me. This is a big opportunity to make something out of football, and I’m ready for it,” he said when asked about his moved to Bula FC.
Off the field, Ryan has dreams of pursuing studies in Electrical Engineering at the University of the South Pacific, but for now he is attending to his passion for football.
Prasad who is described as Fiji’s brightest young shot-stopper first picked up the goalkeeping gloves in Year 3, quickly standing out in school competitions.
His pathway sharpened once he entered high school and joined Fiji Football Association’s Academy development program in Ba, where he earned selection for the national under-15 trials.
Earlier this year, he represented Fiji as the first-choice goalkeeper at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
“Feels good to be part of something big… believe in the Lord before you believe in yourself and everything will be okay,” he said as he takes his first step towards professional-level football.
Prakash plays for his brother Jese Tuicama and his mother, drawing strength and purpose from their support.
Macuata man Wasasala is excited for this new chapter in his career.
“It has always been my dream to become a professional.
“People have always known me as a Labasa player, but this contract gives me the chance to take a bigger step in my career.”
Wasasala was inspired by his late uncle, Simon ‘Maradona’ Peters whose goal carved Labasa’s history, lifting the team to its maiden IDC title in 1992. amogst other notable victories.
