The Fiji Football Association has announced the appointment of Nicola Demaine as the new head coach of the Fiji women’s national football team, known as the Fiji Kulas, for a period of three years. This decision marks a significant step towards enhancing the women’s football program in Fiji.
Demaine comes with a wealth of experience in women’s football, having previously led the Papua New Guinea team to victory in the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup, a historic achievement for the country. Her coaching journey includes roles such as the head coach of the Samoa women’s national team and working as an OFC Women’s Football Development Officer. Most recently, she was at the helm of the Bhutan women’s national team.
Rajesh Patel, president of the Fiji FA, highlighted that Demaine’s extensive international experience, particularly in the Oceania region, is a valuable asset to the development of women’s football in Fiji. He emphasized her proven ability in fostering team growth and working within high-performance environments. Patel expressed confidence that her appointment would align with the association’s strategic goals to strengthen the women’s football program.
Demaine herself expressed gratitude for the opportunity and conveyed her eagerness to work with the players, coaching staff, and administrators. She aims to cultivate a positive atmosphere that promotes player development and competitive spirit. “There is clear potential within women’s football in Fiji, and I am committed to working collaboratively to support the ongoing growth of the game,” she stated.
With Demaine at the helm, the Fiji Kulas are gearing up for upcoming Oceania competitions and future World Cup qualifying campaigns, fostering a hopeful outlook for the team’s development and success in international football.