The Fiji Football Association has officially appointed Nicola Demaine as the head coach of the Fiji women’s national football team, the Fiji Kulas, for a three-year term. This decision is seen as a pivotal move towards advancing the women’s football program in Fiji.
Demaine brings a rich background in women’s football, having previously led the Papua New Guinea team to a remarkable victory in the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup, a landmark achievement for the nation. Her coaching career also includes serving as the head coach for the Samoa women’s national team and working as an OFC Women’s Football Development Officer. Most recently, she coached the Bhutan women’s national team.
Rajesh Patel, the president of the Fiji FA, underscored Demaine’s extensive international experience, particularly within the Oceania region, as a significant benefit for Fiji’s women’s football development. He emphasized her track record of fostering team improvement and her familiarity with high-performance environments, asserting confidence that her leadership would align with the association’s strategic objectives to boost women’s football.
Demaine expressed her gratitude for the appointment and her enthusiasm to collaborate with players, coaching staff, and administrators. She aims to create a supportive atmosphere that encourages player growth and competitiveness. “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 remarked.
With Demaine’s leadership, the Fiji Kulas are preparing for upcoming Oceania competitions and future World Cup qualifying campaigns, fostering a sense of optimism for the team’s development and prospects for success in the international arena. The future looks bright for women’s football in Fiji under her guidance.