16-year-old Maikah Dau, the youngest player in Bula FC and in the league, says the team’s training sessions have greatly improved his stamina.
Speaking to fijivillage News after the open training session, Dau says the session went well, with fans cheering them on throughout.
He says his ball control and overall technique have also improved, and he has learned a lot from the coaching staff.
When asked whether being the youngest player puts pressure on him, Dau responded it does, as this is his first time playing professional football.
He says there is a bit of pressure because it is his first year in a professional club.
He further says the team performed well during the session.
Dau, who is originally from Tailevu, plays as a midfielder.
He adds that his inspiration in football is his father, former Rewa player Lorima Dau.
He played football at Bhawani Dayal Primary School , but after moving to Dilkusha Primary, he switched to rugby and continued playing it for two more years in Savusavu.
His football journey restarted when his uncle, Jagindar “Rocky” Singh, the president of Nasinu FC, brought him back to Suva at age 12.
From there, Dau quickly rose through the ranks, playing for Nasinu U16, then at IDC level for Rishikul High School, before moving into Nasinu U19 and later the senior team.
He has also represented Fiji in the U15 and U16 national teams.
Bula FC will take on Vanuatu United FC in the opening match of the OFC Pro League next Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The club will host its first home match at 4R Stadium in April.
Meanwhile, the final squad is expected to be named this afternoon.