More than three years after returning to domestic football in his native Australia, Alen Stajcic is back in Philippine football.
In an announcement Monday morning, the 52-year-old Australian was named head coach of the Philippine Girls U-17 National Team for its upcoming qualifiers for the 2027 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.
Stajcic will take charge of the Philippines in its Group H qualification matches against Uzbekistan and Bangladesh on October 5 and 8, respectively, in Tashkent.
With only three teams in the group, only the team that finishes first will advance to the tournament proper, which will be held in China next year.
Stajcic’s pool includes goalkeepers Keleila Brannan, Abigail Garcia, and Cassandra Lim-It; defenders Mia Bartlett, Maya Bascara, Ella Chua, Hana Quon, Addison Subala, Carlene Dy, and Amiya Randall; and midfielders Aryanna Capsa, Savannah Cheng, Lily Finney, Athena Katsaros, Carlyn Schmitt, Ashtyn Shelton, and Audrey Alviar.
The forward line is composed of Sachiko Davis, Ariana Enderes, Ariana Gementiza, Malia Montoya, Lauren Tiangco, Noelle Granger, Anaiah Sotto, and Angelica Esser.
Stajcic’s appointment marks his return to international football after successful stints with both Australia and the Philippines across various competitions, including the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
His biggest moments in Philippine football include guiding the Filipinas to qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup through their historic 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign, winning the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship on home soil, and leading the country to a historic 1-0 victory over host New Zealand at the World Cup.
