Fijian national football representatives Thomas Dunn and Sterling Vasconcellos have joined their new club, Eastern Suburbs AFC, in New Zealand after securing semi-professional contracts with the NRFL Premiership side.
The Navua midfielder and Lautoka defender arrived in New Zealand over the weekend, marking a significant step in their careers.
Fiji FA National team manager Kartik Reddy confirmed the transfers, highlighting the importance of such opportunities for Fijian players.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for both Thomas and Sterling to grow their careers. We are proud to see them take this step and will continue to support them in any way we can.”
“We hope to see more Fijian players getting opportunities abroad. Thomas and Sterling’s move is just the beginning,” he added.
Reddy also expressed gratitude to the Fiji Football Association Board for facilitating the move.
“Fiji FA has supported the players in terms of arranging logistics to ensure their smooth settlement in New Zealand, and I heartily thank President Rajesh Patel, CEO Mohammed Yusuf, the entire board, and district officials for their support.”
Thomas Dunn, a standout midfielder for Navua FC and the Fiji national team, has been a consistent performer at the domestic and international levels. Earlier this year, he trialed with Sydney FC in Australia, participating in training sessions and friendly matches.
19-year-old Sterling Vasconcellos has been a key figure in Fijian football, representing the country at various levels, including the Fiji U20 team at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. His strong defensive performances caught the attention of overseas clubs.
Based in Auckland, Eastern Suburbs AFC has a strong reputation for developing players, with links to Auckland City FC and contributions to A-League clubs. Their structured approach provides young players with opportunities to grow and take the next step in their careers.