The news the country was waiting and hoping for finally arrived.
Alen Stajcic, the Australian coach who led the Philippine Women’s National Football Team to a historic semi-finals finish in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 has signed a new contract to handle the program, Friday evening.
“I’m delighted to continue our journey with the Philippines Women’s National Team through to the World Cup,” said Stajcic. “The Asian Cup performances were remarkable and phenomenal, but to share it with a group of staff and players that exemplified humility, gratitude, and passion for the (Philippines) shirt is what really made it special.
“I’m extremely excited to help lead the team in the next chapter as we head for the pinnacle of our sport.”
Under Stajcic’s leadership, the PWNFT secured memorable wins against Thailand and Indonesia in the group stage of the Asian Cup and survived a penalty shootout against Chinese Taipei in the same tournament to book a World Cup ticket.
“The next 18 months will be challenging for all of us at the PWNT as we do our best to prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said team manager Jefferson Cheng. “We are all motivated, hopeful, and looking forward to giving our best for the nation.”
Aside from Stajcic, his two main lieutenants, assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte and strength and conditioning coach Luca Tonetti, were also renewed in a meeting with Cheng last Tuesday in Sydney, Australia.
With one eye set on the World Cup next year in Australia and New Zealand, the PWNT is set to compete in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games as well as the Asian Games later this year.
“The PFF is honored to continue working with a truly world-class coach in Alen Stajcic whose professionalism and attention to detail have been instrumental in raising the level of the PWNT,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta Jr.
“The team’s performances in India showed that he is the best coach to also lead us in our first FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.”
