Husband Inspires Nand
Umakamini Nand, 43, is one of the few women administering football in the country.
The mother of two children is a vice-president of the Nasinu Football Association and coach of the Under-16 team. She’s also a vicepresident of the women’s wing of the association.
While she dedicated her achievement to her late parents, she is grateful to her husband for being there for her throughout.
“I’m married to Salendra Nand from Makoi, Nasinu and he always supports me and my love for football,” she said.
Nand previously worked for the Elections Office during the 2014 and 2018 General Elections but they have started their own signage company which is managed by her husband.
Football was something she loved since childhood.
“I grew up in Tovata, Nasinu along with my siblings.I used to play football with my brothers as they all were older than me,” she said.
“Sports have become part of my daily routine now that I’m involved with Nasinu Football Association.” “My husband inspired me more to be part of football and what I’m today.
“And big thanks also to my club
She added head coach Tagi Vonolagi and women’s coach Annabel Rao also supported and guided her.
Mandir Sports FC for giving me the opportunity to be part of Nasinu FA. And also the association’s president Oniel Chand who encouraged me to take up coaching course and be an official of the association,” Nand said.
FIJI FA AWARDS
She added head coach Tagi Vonolagi and women’s coach Annabel Rao also supported and guided her. She holds a C-Licence in coaching.
“As an administrator, it is quiet challenging to be in charge of a male dominated sport,” she said. “I was nominated for 2019 volunteer award night.
“And I was awarded the best manager during the 2018 Sanatan tournament.” at the
Fiji FA awards
She encourages more women to be involved in sports administration.
“Women’s football has developed a lot. Last month we had a very successful women’s IDC run solely by women. And it’s pleasing that Fiji FA has major plans for women’s football,” she said.
“We will have women’s league next year. We also have U16 and U19 women’s league for youths as well, so would love to see more women involved.”
She will be with the Nasinu team which plays Ba in the opening game of the Vodafone Fiji FACT which starts today in Lautoka.
Having proper training facilities continues to be a problem in Nasinu.
“I humbly request the Nasinu Town Council and Government of the day to consider upgrading football grounds in Nasinu as it is the most densely populated area in Fiji,”she said.
“And I would like to thank Rishikul College for giving us grounds to train.”
Nasinu will be relegated
Senior Division next year.
“We will return to the Premier competition but first we must give our best at the FACT and cap off 2020 on a high,” Nand added. to the