Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
It was an historic moment when Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC took to the pitch at Eden Park last Saturday.
As well as being the first match of the OFC Pro League's inaugural season, it was also a friendly showdown between two coaches who have known each other for many years.
Lars Hopp and Stephane Auvray share a history beyond the Pacific football scene, having worked together previously at FIFA as talent coaches.
In that time the pair developed a genuine friendship which they had to temporarily put on pause when the whistle b
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