Newly-appointed Digicel national women’s head coach Lisa Cole is expected to jet into the country any time before the month concludes.
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf confirmed Cole had received her work permit.
“We’re eagerly looking forward to her arrival,” Yusuf said.
“We’ve secured her work permit and are waiting for the Fijian immigration department’s go-ahead.
“It has been nearly a month now.
“Fiji FA will organise her flight itinerary after we receive her final documents from the immigration department.”
The Cuvu man in Sigatoka praised the American.
“She has been selected on merit because Lisa possesses the necessary coaching badges.
“We know that she’ll work hard and introduce an attractive style of football for the national women’s team.
“Lisa’s familiarity with Pacific Island players because of her earlier sojourn with the Papua New Guinea U-20 women’s football team will enable her to easily adapt to her adopted homeland.
“She has already signed the contract.”
Cole will join the Fiji FA pending immigration approval.
She was selected after a rigorous interview process.
She will be in the country for a short term of eight months initially.
The top brass at Football House was searching for a capable replacement for Marika Rodu, who had to relinquish his position when he was terminated in August last year after failing to comply with the mandatory vaccination exercise citing personal beliefs.
Cole’s name was officially announced by Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel during the Association’s 83rd ordinary congress that was held at Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka last December.
Meanwhile, the Digicel national women’s football team would be participating in the much-anticipated 2023 Women’s World Cup qualifiers in July at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
