WITH Bula FC’s season coming to an end, there’s every reasons to believe in the team.
Back-to-back playoff defeats — 1-0 to South Island United and and 2-0 to Auckland City FC may have ended hopes of progression, yet they have also highlighted the tremendous growth within the squad.
For a side built largely around local footballers blended with foreign talent, the future under coach Stephane Auvray appears promising.
The same would have been impossible with the Bula Boys, whose ‘punt and push’ approach is widely known.
The Bula FC is different in strategy and game management, as over time the team would grow through the game and become a better team.
Auvray’s player rotation is also praiseworthy for he has developed a level of depth in the team, who believes in their abilities to give first team starts on any given day.
He doesn’t hesitate to call on the bench; this is again a sign of a confident coach who trusts players’ progression and maturity within the system.
Following the defeat to Auckland FC, Auvray admitted the contest was uneven at times highlighting clear missed chances that thwarted Bula FC from scoring.
“First goal unfortunate, defence slips, they score first goal,” he told OFC media.
“Second we had some moments, difficult and good moments at times, not impactful enough, at the end of the day we lost the game.”
The coach added he is impressed with how the team has evolved and is becoming consistent.
“We missed two clear goals, we need to score goals, and if we do that we go really far.
“We score goals when we compromise the quality of play, we don’t want to do that, we need to maintain consistency.”
Downplaying as favourites in the group to win the championship, Auvray said the team has accomplished a lot by finishing third in the league standings and the team will keep pushing forward.
With offseason recruitment and player development already part of the club’s plans, Bula FC’s foundation appears stronger than ever.
The season may end without silverware, but the signs of long-term progress are unmistakable.
Bula FC and Auckland City action.
