The Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team officially opened its training camp last Saturday despite the abrupt reassignment of its coach, Vic Hermans, to the men’s team during the holidays.
Pinay5 team manager Daniel Moran confirmed that they pushed through with their four-day training camp at the Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation in Muntinlupa City to reaffirm their commitment to preparing for the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, which the Philippines will host this November.
Twelve out of the 14 players attended the camp, led by team captain Isabella Bandoja, who had earlier expressed her intention to step down from the national team if the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) proceeded with its plan to replace Hermans. Joining her in the camp were Agot Danton, Jada Bicierro, Erissa Rivas, Kaycee Nañola, Joanna Vega, Angelica Teves, Lanie Ortillo, Louraine Evangelista, Mykaella Abeto, Demely Rollon, and Althea Rebosura.
Moran emphasized that the team’s program will continue—not in defiance of the PFF but in recognition of the players’ dedication and sacrifices to secure a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete at the highest level.
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“The girls sacrificed years of commitment. We can’t let them down. We will fight for them,” said Moran, who also serves as chairman of The Henry V. Moran Foundation, an organization supporting football players from marginalized communities.
“We remain committed to nurturing futsal players who have dedicated immense effort and sacrifice to their growth and future. These players are true patriots who will not only represent our nation with pride but also inspire countless grassroots children as role models,” Moran added.
Former PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta echoed Moran’s sentiments, acknowledging the dedication of Hermans and the Moran Foundation in building the women’s futsal program from the ground up.
“We recognize the hard work and sacrifices that The Henry V. Moran Foundation has made for the development of futsal in the country,” said Araneta, who is also a member of the prestigious FIFA Council. “We hope that the new PFF leadership will do the same and allow Coach Vic Hermans and this team—the Pinay5—to represent the country in the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup in November.”
Controversy erupted during the holiday break when the PFF announced its decision to remove Hermans from the women’s team, which had been gearing up for the World Cup.
The PFF cited no specific reason for the move, stating only that the decision was made to ensure the team is led by someone “fully aligned with the federation’s objectives and directives” as they prepare for critical tournaments such as the AFC qualifications and the 2025 Women’s Futsal World Cup.
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In a letter dated December 23, PFF president John Gutierrez informed Hermans of his reassignment to the men’s national futsal team. “In this capacity, we trust that you will continue to dedicate your expertise and leadership to advance the development and performance of the men’s national team,” Gutierrez wrote.
In response, Moran appealed for the reinstatement of the 71-year-old Hermans, who had spent three years building the women’s program.
“We firmly believe that Coach Vic and these players are the best choices to form our national futsal team,” said Moran. “Unless proven otherwise, they are the most deserving to represent the country and compete in the World Cup.”
