Fiji hire former US top division coach as national team coach

The Fiji FA has hired Lisa Cole as the women’s national team manager.

Lisa Cole has been hired as the new Fiji women’s team coach. Here from her time as PNG U20 head coach. (Photo: PNGFA)

Cole makes the move to Fiji following a stint as head coach of the women’s national team of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as Head of Women’s Football Development at the ABFA.

Cole has previously coached several university teams in the USA, either as head coach or assistant.

She has also coached the National Women’s Soccer League team Boston Breakers, guiding them to fifth in the first ever NWSL season in 2013.

Cole is no stranger to Oceania, having previously coached the Papua New Guinea U20 women’s team for two years, including the U20 World Cup hosted by PNG.

Fiji FA President, Rajesh Patel, says Cole initially will be on an eight month contract.

“For the new women’s coach, we are waiting for the Ministry of Immigration to give us the short-term visa. She’ll be here for eight months and if we qualify for the women’s World Cup then we’ll extend her contract,” he said.