Twenty-year-old goalkeeper Franco Lela departed the country on Wednesday to join Fiji’s Navua FA ahead of the 2026 season.

Speaking to Star Sports before his departure, the Guadalcanal Province native said the move came as a surprise and that he is determined to make the most of the opportunity as he continues to build his young career.

“This will be my first time playing football outside the country, and it came as a surprise to me. I thank God for giving me this opportunity, and I will make the most of it,” Lela said.

Lela made his S-League debut only last year with Kossa FC, where he quickly established himself as one of the club’s regular starting goalkeepers.

His impressive performances for the men in yellow also earned him a call-up to the Guadalcanal Hornets squad, which finished third at the 2025 Solomon Cup.

“It will be a new experience for me, playing in a different environment and being away from my family and friends, but this is something I have always dreamed of since I was a kid,” Lela said of his move to Fiji.

With ambitions of playing in the newly introduced OFC Professional League, Lela said the move is also an opportunity to inspire young players in his village and community.

“The aim is to play professional football in the future, but I also hope my experience here will inspire young boys and kids back in my community,” he added.

Lela also took time to thank those who have supported him throughout his football journey.

“I thank my dad, my mum, my uncles, and the rest of my family for their support, as well as all my coaches for their help and continuous encouragement,” he said.

Navua FA, who finished fifth in last season’s Fiji Extra Premier League, will be aiming for a higher placing this year, with the new season set to kick off later this month.

By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR

Solomon Star, Honiara