Fiji soccer icon comes back to lead nation's inaugural professional team
Roy Krishna remains unaffected by the warmth. "Papua New Guinea will be even warmer," the 38 year old forward remarks from the edge of the practice field, thinking ahead to matches in that nation.
Nonetheless, the humid morning drill leaves the Bula FC players drenched in sweat at their headquarters in Ba, a settlement on Fiji's primary island in a northern seaside region famous for its sugar cane plantations.
It is in this location that the nation's top footballer ever aims to share the insights from an unexpected journey.
Entering professional soccer proved "extremely challenging", states the Bula FC leader.
He secured his initial deal at 26 years old, moving in 2014 to the New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix for the Australian A League.
This achievement was extraordinary for an athlete from Fiji, a small player in global football that Krishna had departed long before to pursue semi professional play.
His 51 strikes in over 120 outings for the Phoenix, featuring a Golden Boot prize and recognition as the competition's top performer, cemented his status in Pacific soccer history.
Refrain from leaving
A homecoming seemed improbable. Yet following six seasons in India, during which he claimed a premier league championship and thrice shared the lead in scoring, Krishna desired more moments with his young daughter in Fiji.
"She has recently reached four years and is now chatting meaningfully with me: 'Stay here, do not leave, where are you headed?'," he explains.
This aligns well with Fiji establishing its debut professional outfit, which began operations merely months back.
Bula FC, where Krishna's spouse holds a key administrative role, revealed his contract in December ahead of their entry into the Oceania Football Confederation Pro League's opening campaign.
The tournament, backed by FIFA, seeks to assist athletes from places such as Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Tahiti in building global careers.
Krishna must establish expectations for a group largely comprising individuals unused to daily training.
"I aimed to explain that soccer extends beyond the field, encompassing life off it. Maintaining personal care, rest, nutrition, food choices, and social circles," he notes.
"Locally, many believe you can indulge in kava sessions and celebrations until dawn, then appear for training on Monday," he adds, alluding to the gentle narcotic beverage rooted in South Pacific customs.
"That approach fails."
Simply grin
Manager Stephane Auvray, aged 44, concedes that several players were "somewhat unaware and innocent" regarding the requirements.
"We incorporate numerous pauses during sessions, allowing moments to ensure that those needing direction receive it," Auvray comments.
Among those benefiting from the guidance of Fiji's most experienced international is 16 year old Maikah Dau, a quiet, smooth central player whose parent competed with Krishna for the country.
Dau, the squad's junior member, indicates Krishna offered abundant motivation.
"During the opening match, he advised me to step out, merely smile, and perform as usual," he shares.
Krishna believes the team possesses a superb chance to integrate into professional soccer structures and "not limit themselves to Oceania, but venture to Asia, Europe, and chase ambitions".
"Everything is achievable," he asserts, reflecting on his upbringing in a countryside agricultural village in Labasa, Fiji's second biggest island.
"Location does not matter, whether on an island, inland, or without connectivity or resources, it will only let you down if you fail to strive."
Krishna recognises he is in his closing playing phase, despite retaining the sturdy physique and grounded stance that render him a sturdy yet nimble attacker.
His guidance to novice squad mates sampling pro soccer is straightforward. "I simply wish for these youngsters to savour every instant," he concludes.