Extra Bula FC’s OFC Pro League campaign enters a crucial stage this week, with three important matches set to decide their semi-final hopes.
A home round to conclude the regular season provided a major boost for Bula FC, who have climbed into the top four and now find themselves among the top teams.
Head coach Stephane Auvray says it is a total reset for the side.
Auvray says the regular season was the first professional experience for many players and gave them a platform to discover their identity as a team.
He says they now have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
Auvray adds that being in the Leaders Group means they are not the favourites, but they have nothing to lose.
He says the season has already been a positive one, and reaching the final stages would be the cherry on top.
Bula FC will face South Island United FC at 3pm Wednesday at GO Media Stadium in Auckland.
They will then take on Auckland FC at 2.30pm on Saturday before facing South Melbourne FC at 3pm next Tuesday. Both matches will be held at Eden Park.
Auckland FC lead the table with 29 points, South Melbourne are in second place with 22 points, Bula FC have 21 points, while South Island United are in fourth place with 20 points.
The teams that finish in the top three will qualify for the semi-finals, while the fourth-placed team will play against the winner of the Challengers Group, where the bottom four teams have competed against each other.
The semi-finals will be held on 20 May, and the final will be played on 24 May in New Zealand.
The OFC Pro League will also determine who represents Oceania at the annual FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ and the quadrennial FIFA Club World Cup™.
