Extra Bula FC head coach Stephane Auvray says one of the biggest positives from the season was the club remaining committed to its long-term development plan despite the disappointment of a semi-final exit.
Auvray says the club focused heavily on developing young players and helping them understand the demands of professional football.
Insert: Auvray on players representing Fiji 18th May
The coach says finishing third in the regular season exceeded many expectations and showed the team is moving in the right direction.
Reflecting on the semi-final play-off defeat, Auvray says his side was only seconds away from reaching the final before a late equaliser shattered their hopes.
He says his players had the game under control for much of the contest but eventually paid the price for failing to convert their chances.
Auvray highlights the need for more quality in attack, saying the team struggled throughout the season to turn opportunities into goals.
He says while the side worked hard defensively, football is ultimately decided by goals and the lack of clinical finishing proved costly in crucial moments.
The coach adds that recruiting stronger attacking players will now become a major focus moving forward, saying proven finishers could have changed the outcome of the semi-final clash.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Vanuatu United FC takes on South Melbourne FC in the first semi-final and Auckland FC will face South Island United in the second semi-final.
