The Fiji Football Association has officially appointed Nicola Demaine as the new Head Coach of the Fiji women’s national football team, known as the Fiji Kulas. This pivotal decision comes as part of the association’s ongoing commitment to enhancing women’s football and focusing on the long-term development of the national program.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel expressed confidence in Demaine’s appointment, highlighting her extensive international experience within women’s football, particularly in the Oceania region. Patel noted that Demaine has shown a strong ability in team development and high-performance contexts. “Her background and understanding of women’s football make her a valuable addition to our national setup,” he stated.
Demaine’s coaching credentials are impressive. An English-born coach, she has gathered substantial experience across the Pacific and Asia, including a successful period guiding Papua New Guinea to the OFC Women’s Nations Cup title in 2022. This achievement marked a significant milestone as it was the country’s first major international success in women’s football. Additionally, Demaine has served as head coach for the Samoa women’s national team and as an OFC Women’s Football Development Officer, further showcasing her dedication to advancing women’s football throughout the region. Most recently, she was the head coach of the Bhutan women’s national team.
In her statement following her appointment, Demaine expressed gratitude to the Fiji Football Association and her eagerness to start working with the team. “I am looking forward to collaborating with the players, coaching staff, and administrators to continue the development of the women’s program and build a strong, competitive team,” she remarked. Demaine emphasized her commitment to fostering a positive environment that supports player development, acknowledging the potential that exists within women’s football in Fiji.
As Demaine steps into this role, she will lead the Fiji Kulas as they prepare for upcoming Oceania competitions and future World Cup qualifying campaigns. Her leadership could mark a new chapter in the evolution of women’s football in Fiji, fostering growth and competitive spirit in the sport.