Nicola Demaine has officially taken the reins as the head coach of the Fiji Kulas at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva, marking a significant step in her mission to enhance women’s football in the country. With an extensive background as a development officer and coaching experience gained in New Zealand and Australia, Demaine is poised to make a substantial impact on the sport at both senior and youth levels.
In her new position, Demaine will oversee the senior Kulas team while also developing the under-16 and under-19 programs. This dual focus aims to strengthen the national development pathways for emerging players and ensure a robust future for women’s football in Fiji. Demaine, originally from England, expresses a deep affinity for Fiji, highlighting her excitement about returning to the country with new coaching insights.
“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, emphasizing her eagerness to contribute positively to the local football community. Her connection to Fiji and its culture further drives her commitment to nurturing talent and building strong relationships with players.
Demaine has taken note of the considerable talent among Fiji’s footballers and is looking forward to collaborating with them to elevate the sport. “We have some great players, and I’m excited to be working closely with them to build the sport in the country,” she noted, underscoring her optimism for the team’s potential.
With an important tournament approaching, Demaine’s immediate focus is on the senior Kulas team. She aims to establish a professional training environment, evaluate player fitness levels, and develop a distinct playing style leading up to their first match against New Caledonia. To achieve this, she plans to gather the squad early next week, allowing players time to recuperate from their other commitments.
Looking to the future, Demaine is dedicated to exploring Fiji’s football landscape in greater depth and creating transparent pathways for players from grassroots to the senior national team. Her leadership not only offers promising opportunities for the growth of women’s football in Fiji but also instills hope for the sport’s continued success in the region.