Jefferson Cheng, one of the most successful benefactors in the history of Philippine sports, has decided to step down from his role as the team manager of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team.
Cheng, a graduate of Xavier School and University of the Philippines, announced this Sunday that he was leaving due to conflicts with unnamed parties.
“Last Thursday, I informed the PFF Director of National Teams that I am stepping away from my role as Team Manager of the women’s team,” he said.
“For several months, we tried our best to make things work under new and very different circumstances. Unfortunately, the situation is not workable. Our priorities and goals do not align, and the PWNT organization that we worked hard to develop over the past years is incompatible with current methods.”
(C) Lorenzo del Carmen
Under Cheng’s management, Philippine football reached new heights in the ASEAN, Asian, and world stages. With coaches Marlon Maro and Alen Stajcic, the Filipinas had a successful run in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India, reaching the semifinals and securing a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With Stajcic at the helm, the Filipinas earned a bronze medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam and won the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship on home soil. In the World Cup, the Filipinas stunned host nation New Zealand with a 1-0 victory in Wellington.
After Stajcic left, Mark Torcaso took over the Filipinas and led them to the last eight of the 19th Asian Games.
Cheng’s exit is a significant blow to Philippine football. Before his success with the Filipinas, he owned the first iteration of the Davao Aguilas in the Philippines Football League and supported various youth national teams.
He is also a co-owner of the Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers, which will reportedly hire Stajcic for its men’s team.
“I want to thank all of you for the support and kindness that you have shown me. It is through you that our efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful to have shared some of the best football experiences with all of you,” said Cheng.
“Until next time… Maraming salamat!”
