John Orobulu’s dramatic transfer explained: from Southern United to Rewa FC amidst controversy

John Orobulu’s transfer saga has become a notable case in the footballing circles of the Solomon Islands and Fiji. The 23-year-old forward, previously with Southern United in the Telekom S-League, made headlines when he carved a move to Fijian giants Rewa FC, despite initially indicating he would stay in the Solomon Islands to complete the season.

Orobulu had informed his former team president, Baddley Alaha, of his intention to remain with Southern United. However, transfer rumors began circulating when the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) and local media in Fiji reported that Orobulu was cleared to move from Southern United to Rewa. To clarify the situation, Oceania Football Center reached out to Mr. Alaha, the most important figure in Southern United FC’s management. After several days of discussions, Alaha confirmed that Orobulu would not be moving, stating that the player had assured him of his decision to stay – Oceania Football Center posted the news on 29th June, 2024.

In a surprising turn of events, Orobulu did not show up for his commitments with Southern United and did not respond to Alaha’s calls. Instead, he left for Fiji and signed with Rewa, where he has already played two matches. According to Mr. Alaha, the governing football body of the Solomon Islands issued the necessary paperwork for Orobulu’s transfer without his consent. SIFF argued that there was no need for additional documentation, as it was a free transfer.

Mr. Alaha expressed his disappointment and frustration with the situation, stating: “The news is from himself, John Orobulu. While I respect his right as a player, he is not honest with me“, said Southern’s president. “We have not signed any ITC. As a president, I have not signed or approached on this matter. SIFF registered John Orobulu without my consent as a president of Southern United FC. They argue that there is no document to sign and it’s a free transfer. I’m the president, but they don’t even have the courtesy to contact me“, he added – “I respect players’ decisions if they want to move on. But in John’s case, he is not speaking the truth to us. He did not know we supported him to where he is now. That’s my disappointment“.

Oceania Football Center had no reason to doubt Mr. Alaha’s statement when reporting Orobulu’s decision to stay, as it was confirmed by Southern United’s management. The unexpected move by Orobulu and the subsequent revelation left the platform and fans alike surprised and disappointed – on July 8th, Oceania Football Center wrote a new article stating the player ‘had changed his mind’ and stated that would seek for further explanations on why the situation developed that way, culminating in this present article. This unique situation highlights the complexities and unexpected turns that can occur in the football, especially in Oceania, where the game is not taken professionally.

There are still conversations about the situation ongoing in the background between the staffs of Rewa and Southern United, although no new significant events came to light to this date.

John Orobulu is one of the hottest prospects in Southern Pacific football, having been the top scorer in the last edition of the Pacific Games with eight goals and showing impressive form over the past two seasons for Southern United in the Telekom S-League. His move to Rewa, the current leaders of the Digicel Fiji Premier League, has certainly added drama and controversy to his rising career.