Nicola Demaine has officially stepped into her role as the head coach of the Fiji Kulas at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva. This marks her return to a familiar setting, having previously served as a development officer there. Demaine brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to advancing women’s football at both senior and youth levels.
In addition to managing the senior squad, Demaine will oversee the under-16 and under-19 programs, with the aim of enhancing the national player development pathway. Originally from England, Demaine has garnered extensive coaching experience in New Zealand and Australia, and she expresses a sense of coming home to Fiji, where she has a deep cultural connection.
“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,” Demaine stated. Having previously observed the talent in Fiji, she is keen to work closely with the players to further develop the sport in the country. “We have some great players; I have seen them play in the past, and I’m excited to be working closely with them to build the sport in the country,” she added.
With an upcoming tournament on the horizon, Demaine has prioritized focusing on the senior Kulas team. Her immediate objectives include establishing a professional training environment, assessing player fitness levels, and defining a clear playing style before their first match against New Caledonia.
Aware of the tight timeline, Demaine intends to gather the squad next week, providing players an opportunity to recover from their existing commitments. Beyond the immediate tournament, her vision extends to exploring Fiji’s football landscape more deeply and creating well-defined pathways for players from grassroots programs to the senior national team.
Demaine’s return and her dedication to enhancing both senior and youth football in Fiji bring a hopeful outlook for the future of the sport in the nation.
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