THE newly appointed head coach of the Fiji Kulas, Nicola Demaine, has officially commenced her role at the Fiji FA Academy in Suva.
Returning to familiar grounds where she previously served as a development officer, she brings with her enhanced experience and a strong determination to advance women’s football at both senior and youth levels.
In addition to her responsibilities with the senior squad, Demaine will also oversee the under-16 and under-19 programs, aiming to bolster the national pathway for players.
Expressing her excitement about being in Fiji and returning to contribute with greater coaching expertise, Demaine, originally from England with extensive experience in New Zealand and Australia, feels a sense of coming home to a place she is familiar with culturally.
“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,” said Demaine
“I’m originally from England, but I have spent long time in New Zealand and Australia and working with the pacific islands.
“Coming back to Fiji, it feels like home, I’m familiar with the people and the culture, so I’ll be enjoying it here in Fiji.”
Impressed by the talent she has observed in Fiji’s players, Demaine is eager to work closely with them 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.”
With limited time to prepare for the upcoming tournament, Demaine has swiftly prioritised focusing on the senior Kulas team.
Her primary goals are to establish a professional training environment, assess player fitness levels, and define a clear playing style ahead of their initial match against New Caledonia.
Mindful of the tight timeline, Demaine plans to gather the squad together early next week, allowing players time to recuperate from their existing commitments.
Looking beyond the immediate tournament, Demaine aims to delve deeper into Fiji’s football environment and create clear pathways for players from grassroots to the senior national team.
