Nicola Demaine has officially begun her role as the head coach of the Fiji Kulas at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva. With a wealth of experience from her previous position as a development officer, Demaine is set on enhancing women’s football at both the senior and youth levels.
In her new role, Demaine will not only focus on the senior squad but will also oversee the under-16 and under-19 programs, strengthening the national development pathway for aspiring players. Expressing her enthusiasm about returning to Fiji, Demaine, who hails from England and has significant coaching experience in New Zealand and Australia, feels a deep connection to the country and its culture.
“I’m really excited to be here in Fiji and to come back with more coaching experience to make a difference in a different way,” she stated. Demaine’s familiarity with Fiji and its people fuels her determination to contribute positively to the sport.
Having observed the impressive talent among Fiji’s players, Demaine is eager to collaborate with them to further nurture football in the nation. “We have some great players, and I’m excited to be working closely with them to build the sport in the country,” she shared.
With an upcoming tournament on the horizon, Demaine is prioritizing the senior Kulas team, focusing on establishing a professional training environment, assessing player fitness levels, and defining a distinct playing style before their first match against New Caledonia. To facilitate this, she plans to assemble the squad early next week, allowing players some time to recover from their current commitments.
Looking ahead, Demaine is committed to exploring Fiji’s football landscape more thoroughly and creating clear pathways for players from grassroots levels to the senior national team. Her leadership promises exciting prospects for the future of women’s football in Fiji, embodying a hopefulness for the growth and success of the sport in the region.