Tahnai Annis is off to international duty once again — this time as an assistant coach for the Philippine Girls U-17 Team that will compete for a 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup ticket in the 2024 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup this May 6–19 in Bali, Indonesia.
She will join the likes of U-17 head coach Sinisa Cohadzic and seniors head coach Mark Torcaso as part of the team’s delegation during the continental tournament.
As a veteran of several Filipinas campaigns already, the 34-year-old midfielder is raring to go in this new role.
“Honestly, the transition is really easy. I’ve been coaching since when I was probably in college. It has been a bit long since because I’ve been playing and things like that,” said Annis.
“I’ve always felt that coaching was natural to me because of my experience in the game. I would say any kind of big transition, but it is just like really nice to be on the other side of it every now and then.”
With 38 caps so far for the country, Annis is one of the most experienced international players out there. She has represented the country in international competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, AFC Women’s Asian Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup
Competing in these types of competitions brings a different sense of pressure and tension unlike competing in the club game. Knowing this, the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship gold medalist is eager to pass on her knowledge to the U-17 players.
“My role within the team right now is kind of wherever it’s needed, but definitely coming in as a mentorship role for the girls, especially going to an Asian Cup, where they can possibly qualify for the World Cup,” she said.
“I think my experience in having done that several times now, I think I can definitely be a resource for them — whether that’s mental, physical, tactical, anything. I made it very clear to the girls that I am here at their disposal and whatever support that they want, I’m here to help them reach their goals as much as I can.”
For the Girls U-17 squad to make it to the World Cup this October–November, it would have to finish in the top three places in the Asian Cup.
It will need to advance out of Group A at the expense of host nation Indonesia, North Korea and South Korea. After that, a semifinal win would do the trick, but if that does not pan out, then winning the third-place match will seal progress into the World Cup.
The challenge for the Girls U-17 may be daunting, but Annis is excited by the prospect of achieving another milestone in Philippine football. She is looking forward to seeing some of the country’s young stars blossom even further under the bright lights of the Asian Cup.
“I think my biggest thing with what I try and offer the girls is just to trust in their ability and have confidence in themselves,” said the former University of Florida standout.
“They’ve already reached this level at such a young age and I’ve told them time and time again how impressed I am with the talent that they have and all the resources they have and the people in the Philippines and everywhere else that are supporting them,” she added.
“That kind of support system is what helps you get through those moments and succeed in those moments. (I’m) truly so excited. Their talent level is through the roof, especially at such a young age. And I’m just really excited for them, and hope that we can offer them help and support, and you know get them linked into the senior team as well.”
