Nicola Demaine appointed Fiji Kulas head coach

Nicola Demaine has been appointed the new head coach of the Fiji Kulas, the Fiji Football Association has confirmed.

The announcement was made by Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel at the association’s headquarters in Vatuwaqa, Suva, today.

Mr Patel said Demaine was selected based on her qualifications and extensive coaching experience in the Oceania region.

“Nicola is the best person for the role as she has been through the system,” he said.

“We want to make sure we give women’s and girls’ football all the resources needed to put us in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup.”

The English-born coach has signed a three-year contract with Fiji FA as the national women’s head coach.

Demaine previously served as an Oceania Football Confederation women’s football development officer from 2012 to 2017.

She has also coached the Samoa women’s national team in 2018 and the Papua New Guinea women’s national team in 2022.

Demaine said she was excited to return to the Oceania region and work with the Fiji Kulas.

“I’m lucky to be here and excited to work,” she said.

“The players have so much potential and I’ve followed them in the past.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how we can take them forward, create a professional environment and push to qualify for the World Cup — because why not.”