THE Fiji Football Association has made a significant move by appointing English-born Nicola Demaine as the new head coach of the Fiji women’s national football team, the Fiji Kulas, for a three-year term.
Demaine boasts a wealth of experience in coaching women’s national teams, having successfully led Papua New Guinea to victory in the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup, a milestone achievement for the nation in women’s football.
Her background includes serving as head coach of the Samoa women’s national team and working as an OFC Women’s Football Development Officer, indicating her dedication to fostering the growth of women’s football in the Pacific and Asia.
Most recently, she held the position of head coach for the Bhutan women’s national team.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel underscored that Demaine’s appointment aligns with the association’s strategic objective of fortifying the women’s football program and ensuring its sustained development.
Patel commended Demaine for her extensive international experience in women’s football, particularly in the oceania region, and her proven ability in team development and high-performance environments.
“Nicola brings significant international experience in women’s football, particularly within the Oceania region, and has demonstrated strong capability in team development and high-performance environments.”
Patel said Demaine’s background and understanding of women’s football made her a valuable addition to the national programme.
“Her experience working with national teams and football development programmes aligns with our vision for the continued growth of women’s football in Fiji, and we are confident she will contribute positively to the progress of the Fiji Kulas.”
Demaine, in turn, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Fiji women’s national team, emphasising her excitement to collaborate with the players, coaching staff, and administrators to further enhance the women’s program and establish a robust and competitive team.
“I would like to thank the Fiji Football Association for the opportunity to lead the Fiji women’s national team,” Demaine said.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the players, coaching staff and administrators to continue developing the women’s programme and building a strong and competitive team.”
She said her focus would be on creating a positive environment and supporting player development.
“There is clear potential within women’s football in Fiji, and I am committed to working collaboratively to support the ongoing growth of the game,” she said.
Demaine takes over the role as the Fiji Kulas prepare for upcoming Oceania competitions and future World Cup qualifying campaigns.
