Matamata Swifts is delighted to announce that Michael Fifi’i will lead Comag Matamata Swifts as head coach in the 2025 NRFL Southern Conference.
Matamata Swifts President, John Harris, is pleased to have Fifi’i on board. “Fifi’i was a mature, popular member of our 1st team squad during the 2024 season. We believe he has the right mix of experience, drive, humility, and hunger to help the club as we look to re-establish ourselves in the Northern Region Football League (NRFL) after a 13 year absence.
“While we didn’t go up based on our results on the field, we’ve been lucky enough to eventually secure promotion thanks to a variety of other factors. We want to make the most of this opportunity, as we have the infrastructure, backing and playing base to support a place in this league. Having Fifi’i involved on the coaching front is another huge positive for us as we head into 2025.”
Fifi’i played for the Swifts during the 2024 season, so has a good feeling for the club. “I enjoyed getting to know more about the club, and especially the people here at the Swifts, during the season,” he said. “There’s something about the place and the people here. This really attracted me to the role when it was offered to me.
“Getting to know the boys during the season, as well as everyone else around the club, has been a huge help. I have a good idea of what we can currently offer on the field, as well as what we need to add strength and depth so we can do well in he Southern Conference.
“The 2025 season will be an excellent challenge, so we need to make sure the players involved with the club bring the right attitude and a willingness to work hard on and off the field. That’s what I’m looking for. For the players who do, I’ll make sure they are enjoying themselves, and can express themselves, when they take the field for the Swifts.
“I’m looking forward to helping the Swifts as we return to the NRFL.”
Fifi’i has a strong playing pedigree, both in New Zealand and around the Pacific Islands. A full international for the Solomon Islands, he also played for Canterbury United and Team Wellington in the old New Zealand Football Championship (the precursor to the current National League), and has experienced O-League football for several clubs.
While this is his first 1st team role, Fifi’i has previously coached at U23 level for clubs in the Northern Federation.
Further announcements relating to the Swifts 1st and U23 teams, as well as pre-season details, will be released in due course.
If you are interested in finding out more about playing for the club in 2025, you can contact Michael on 022 623 7485.