Demaine races to name Fiji women’s squad

Fiji women’s football head coach Nicola Demaine is working against time to select a squad for next month’s Oceania FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The former Papua New Guinea coach was formally appointed by Fiji Football Association last Saturday.

“I’ll be working with the Under-16 and 19 as well,” Demaine said.

“We’re going to get the team together and ready for the tournament in a professionalized environment.”

Demaine indicated that her key focus would be on the fitness of the players.

“I’ve been involved in the region in the past, so I’m well aware of all the developments that have been going on, so I’m ready to hit the ground running,” he said.

“We’re a little pressed for time so we have to prioritise the senior team now but I’m looking forward to understanding the whole landscape and the foot-ball environment.”

Demaine added that she is keen on setting pathways from grassroots to the senior team.

“This is a real chance to take women’s forward in the country,” she said.