Fiji Bula Boys head coach Stéphane Auvray has called for greater emphasis on technical development, fitness and decision-making to help local players compete at international level.
Speaking at the Fiji FA Coaches Workshop at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva, Auvray highlighted the importance of developing technically sound players through district and club competitions.
“A national team assembles players. It cannot build them,” was a key message highlighted during his session.
Statistics presented from Fiji’s 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup campaign showed the national side averaged just 20 per cent possession against Tunisia, Belgium and Argentina.
Fiji also recorded an average pass completion rate of 49 per cent compared with 89 per cent for their opponents.
Auvray’s presentation identified poor technical ability, limited game awareness and decision-making as major areas requiring improvement.
He emphasised the need to develop players with strong technical foundations, physical fitness, discipline, resilience and ambition.
The national coach also highlighted the importance of Bula FC in providing a professional pathway and regular training opportunities for national representatives.
Auvray stressed that districts and clubs must play a greater role in preparing players, as national team camps alone cannot address weaknesses developed over several years.
He also encouraged greater cooperation among coaches and football administrators to improve player development and raise Fiji’s international competitiveness.
