The Fiji Football Association has taken a significant step forward by appointing Nicola Demaine as the new head coach of the Fiji women’s national football team, known as the Fiji Kulas, for a three-year term. Demaine, who hails from England, brings a wealth of experience in coaching women’s national teams, most notably leading Papua New Guinea to victory in the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup, a historic accomplishment for the nation in women’s football.
Her extensive background includes serving as head coach for the Samoa women’s national team and as an OFC Women’s Football Development Officer, showcasing her commitment to advancing women’s football throughout the Pacific and Asia. Most recently, she was the head coach of the Bhutan women’s national team.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel emphasized that Demaine’s appointment is in line with the association’s strategic objective to strengthen the women’s football program and promote its ongoing development. Patel praised Demaine for her international experience, specifically within the Oceania region, and highlighted her proven capabilities in team development and performance enhancement.
“Nicola brings significant international experience in women’s football and has demonstrated strong capability in team development,” Patel remarked. He believes her background and understanding of the women’s football landscape make her a valuable asset to the national program. Patel expressed confidence that Demaine will play a crucial role in advancing the Fiji Kulas.
In her response to the appointment, Demaine expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and shared her enthusiasm for collaborating with the players, coaching staff, and administrators to further strengthen the women’s program. “I am looking forward to working closely with everyone involved to continue developing the women’s programme and building a strong and competitive team,” she stated.
Demaine also articulated her commitment to creating a positive environment that supports player development. “There is clear potential within women’s football in Fiji, and I am dedicated to working together to facilitate the ongoing growth of the game,” she highlighted.
As Demaine steps into her new role, she does so with the Fiji Kulas gearing up for upcoming Oceania competitions and future World Cup qualifying campaigns, fostering optimism for the future of women’s football in Fiji.
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