Bula FC have confirmed the return of Fijian midfielder Semi Nabenu for the 2027 OFC Professional League season, with the New Zealand-based player looking to build on his first professional campaign after helping the Fijian franchise reach the Top Four playoffs in the competition’s inaugural edition.
The son of former Fiji international Waisea Nabenu, Semi was part of the Bula FC squad that finished third in the regular season under head coach Stéphane Auvray. His decision to return provides further continuity for a team preparing for its second campaign in Oceania’s professional club competition.
For Nabenu, the opportunity to continue working under Auvray and develop alongside experienced teammates played an important role in his decision to extend his contract.
“I really enjoyed the season with Coach Stéphane and the boys. I think we did really well and surprised ourselves, honestly,” Nabenu said.
“I really like what Coach Stéphane is doing with the squad, and I’m trying to take away as much as I can. I decided to extend my contract because I want to keep learning while enjoying playing professionally for my country.”
Although he represents a Fijian club, much of Nabenu’s football development has taken place in New Zealand. His family moved there in 2008 after his father received an opportunity to continue his football career.
Semi began playing for Otahuhu United before progressing through Central United, Bay Olympic and Onehunga Sports. He subsequently made his senior debut for Auckland United and later represented Birkenhead United, while also earning an opportunity with Auckland FC’s reserve side in 2025.
His development included international youth football experiences, notably a tour to South Korea in which he faced academy teams associated with Sporting Lisbon and Eintracht Frankfurt, as well as South Korea’s U-15 national team.
Despite spending most of his football career in New Zealand, Nabenu emphasised the importance of representing his family’s homeland in a professional competition.
“It is truly a privilege and an honour to represent a professional club from my own country. I think we are really blessed to have a professional football club here in Fiji,” he explained.
His first campaign with Bula provided opportunities to compete against clubs from across Oceania, with the team’s comeback against South Island United in Solomon Islands standing out among his favourite experiences.
However, the playoff defeat against Vanuatu also offered lessons for a young player adjusting to the physical and tactical demands of professional football.
Nabenu believes the experience helped him recognise the importance of making the most of his individual strengths rather than attempting to match every opponent physically.
“Playing professionally for Bula FC made me realise that every player is different. If you stick to what you’re good at and play to your strengths, you can hold your own against some of the more athletic players in the league.”
The midfielder also highlighted the influence of several experienced teammates, particularly Fiji captain Roy Krishna, Setareki Hughes and Gabriel Matanisiga.
Krishna’s professionalism and approach to physical preparation have been especially valuable, while Hughes and Matanisiga have provided guidance during Nabenu’s transition into the professional environment.
His father Waisea has remained another important influence. Having represented Fiji internationally before continuing his career in New Zealand, the former footballer has supported his son’s development from an early age.
“He’s been there since I first picked up a ball and will support me until the end. He’s always been that voice in my ear throughout my journey. He’s definitely the reason I am who I am today,” Nabenu said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 season, Nabenu hopes to continue improving physically and technically, particularly in central midfield, where he gained experience during the inaugural campaign.
He has also set himself a more specific attacking objective.
“I would definitely love to get on the scoresheet this coming season. I’m not really known for scoring goals, but it would be pretty cool if I could score one or two,” he said.
Nabenu’s renewal continues Bula FC’s preparations for 2027, following the confirmed returns of Kaïlé Auvray, Thomas Dunn and Ryan Naresh, alongside the arrival of Australian-New Zealand defender Michael Boffey.
With several members of the inaugural squad remaining at the club, Bula will look to build on their third-place regular-season finish and challenge for further honours in the competition’s second edition.
For Nabenu, the ambition is to become a more influential player while continuing to develop under Auvray. Asked what supporters could expect from him next season, he offered a particularly straightforward answer.
“GOALS!”
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