Fiji trio gain professional football experience with Auckland FC through OFC placement programme

Three Fijian footballers are gaining further exposure to professional football in New Zealand, with Maikah Dau, Ryan Naresh and Sterling Vasconcellos taking part in a training programme with A-League club Auckland FC.

The players are participating in the OFC Player Placement Programme 2026, accompanied by Fiji national assistant coach Marika Rodu. According to the Fiji Football Association, the trio have completed their initial training session and are now progressing through the second phase of the programme.

The initiative provides young Pacific footballers with access to professional coaching environments, allowing them to develop their technical abilities, tactical understanding and familiarity with the demands of football at a higher level. Rodu is also expected to benefit from observing Auckland FC’s coaching methods and player development structures.

All three players were part of Bula FC’s squad during the inaugural OFC Pro League season earlier this year. Their experience with the Fijian professional club has already provided an introduction to higher training and competitive standards, while the Auckland placement offers an opportunity to work within a different professional environment.

However, the programme also comes shortly after another Fijian prospect, Delon Shankar, lost his opportunity to participate following disciplinary action by the Fiji FA.

The 19-year-old Rewa defender had initially been nominated for an OFC placement in Auckland, but his selection was withdrawn after he travelled to New Zealand to participate in a football tournament without informing national-team officials while he was supposed to be undergoing rehabilitation. According to FijiLive, Vasconcellos was subsequently named as his replacement.

Although Shankar was later cleared to participate in the FMF Inter-District Championship under a one-year good-behaviour bond, his placement opportunity and an offer from Bula FC were withdrawn. The situation has interrupted his progress towards further professional opportunities, despite his experience with Bula FC and previous involvement in Fiji’s national teams.

For Dau, Naresh and Vasconcellos, the current placement provides another opportunity to build on their experience in the OFC Pro League. The programme is part of the Oceania Football Confederation’s efforts to create stronger development pathways for Pacific players, connecting emerging talent with established professional football environments.