MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) sees a brighter future for women’s sports after its two teams qualified in the World Cup.
Two years after the Filipinas made history in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the national futsal team will also step on the big stage when the country hosts the first-ever Women’s Futsal World Cup in Pasig in 2025.
“For us to be participating in World Cup events means that we are also glued to football, to futsal, so it’s really fun,” PFF president John Gutierrez said during a recent press conference.
“I hope that every World Cup of football and futsal, we are able to provide with good management and good coaching, but again, it means that the love for the game is there for the Filipinos,” he added.
As the team starts its lead-up to the World Cup, the “Pinay 5” will compete in the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship on November 16 to 21 at the PhilSports Arena.
The team will be coached by veteran mentor Vic Hermans, who has helmed the squad since 2022.
Led by Filipinas rising star Isabella Bandoja, she will be joined by Mykaella Abeto, Samantha Hughes, Kayla Santiag, Vrendelle Nuera, Cathrine Graversen, Princess Cristobas, and Lanie Ortillo.
Completing the team are Jada Bicierro, Althea Rebosura, Hazel Lustan, Louraine Evangelista, Alisha del Campo, and Angelica Teves.
Hermans, who is Dutch, has dedicated himself to the sport for decades, having been feted the first Most Valuable Player in the inaugural edition of the FIFA Men’s Futsal World Cup where the Netherlands finished runner-up.
He also steered Thailand to four AFF Futsal titles from 2011-2015, and to a Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 2013.
“I think this is the biggest challenge I ever had,” said Herman, noting how he had coached football-mad, medal-winning countries like Thailand and Iran.
“We have been growing and growing in the past three years, and I know there will be struggles on the road. That’s no problem.”
In the ASEAN tournament, the Pinay 5 will face Myanmar on November 16, Thailand on the 17th, Vietnam on the 19th, and Indonesia on the 20th, with all games scheduled at 7 pm. – Rappler.com