Pacific football clubs set to make history in Oceania Pro League

Player registrations for the inaugural Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League have closed and teams have confirmed their squads for the first professional club football competition of its kind in the Pacific.

The new competition will feature eight professional clubs from the region and is being billed as a pathway for local players to develop at home while raising the overall standard of the game across the Pacific.

Round one of the inaugural season is set to begin on Saturday and end on 21 January in Auckland, while round two kicks off on 31 January until 8 February in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

For many players, the league offers a rare chance to play professionally without leaving their islands at a young age, something football leaders say is key to developing long-term success in the region.

One of the biggest signings is Fiji’s all-time leading goalscorer Roy Krishna, who has returned from India to join Bula FC.

His move has been described as a landmark moment for Fijian football, with the club becoming the country’s first professional side.

Former Wellington Phoenix star Roy Krishna (top) will feature for the Fijian Bula FC side in the OFC Pro League which starts this weekend in Auckland. Photo/Photosport/Marty Melville

Papua New Guinea’s Hekari FC will bring a strong mix of local stars and Brazilian influence under coach Marcos Gusmão.

Veteran striker Raymond Gunemba, PNG’s top international scorer, is expected to play a key leadership role.

Tahiti United are led by national legend Teaonui Tehau, with the squad selected by Tahiti head coach Samuel Garcia and packed with international experience from across the Pacific and beyond.

Vanuatu United FC have also leaned on national team connections.

Coach Lars Hopp has selected several players he has previously worked with at the international level.

The side is also supported by experienced imports like Australian goalkeeper Matt Acton.

Solomon Kings FC feature a homegrown squad backed by professional experience from Australia.

South Island United and Auckland FC provide strong New Zealand representation, blending emerging local talent with players who have competed at the FIFA Club World Cup and overseas leagues.

New Zealand international Oskar van Hattum. right, will compete in the OFC Pro League. Photo/OFC Media via Phototek

South Melbourne FC enter the competition as Australian champions, bringing a settled squad with A-League experience and a strong winning record.

New Zealand remains the only Oceania nation to have reached the FIFA World Cup.

Football leaders say the OFC Pro League could help Pacific Island nations move closer to a long-held goal of qualifying for the tournament.

The inaugural season is expected to attract strong interest from fans across the Pacific, as clubs and players prepare to make history in a competition many see as long overdue.

Papua New Guinea international Ati Kepo will be among players to watch out for. Photo/OFC Media via Phototek

For many across the Pacific, the new league is about more than football. It is a chance to build a future for the game at home.

The league winner will qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, while the OFC Pro League will also determine which Oceania club represents the region at the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.