LAUTOKA defender Sterling Vasconcellos will return to Extra Bula FC for the 2027 OFC Professional League season after re-signing with the club.
The 21-year-old from Saweni is the first player to re-sign with the club ahead of its second season in the professional competition.
Vasconcellos joined Bula FC ahead of its inaugural season, which provided him with his first experience of professional football.
“I’m really excited to extend my contract with Bula FC and to be back for the 2027 season,” he said.
“Last season was my first experience as a professional player, so there was a lot for me to learn.
“I’ve taken a lot from that first season, and I know there is still plenty of room for me to improve.”
Vasconcellos also played a part in Fiji’s successful campaign at the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup, scoring in the 2-0 victory over Papua New Guinea.
The young defender is currently gaining further experience through the Oceania Football Confederation’s Player Placement Programme, training with A-League club Auckland FC in New Zealand alongside national teammates Maikah Dau and Ryan Naresh.
The trio, accompanied by Fiji national team and Bula FC assistant coach Marika Rodu, have completed their first training phase and are undertaking a second.
The programme gives the players an opportunity to experience a professional A-League environment and develop their technical and tactical skills ahead of the new season.
For Vasconcellos, continuing with a Fijian professional club holds special meaning.
“Being from Lautoka, it means a lot to represent a Fijian professional club,” he said.
“I’m excited about what we can achieve together in 2027.”
