While the matches of the first-ever PAGSS Women’s Futsal Cup were underway at the University of Asia and the Pacific Parking and Sports Building last Sunday in Ortigas, a keen observer was spotted in the stands — current Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team head coach Rafa Merino.
For the Barcelona native, witnessing a local futsal competition live is a rare treat, given the limited number of tournaments in the country.
Organized by the Philippine Women’s Football Association and the UA&P PE Department, the inaugural PAGSS Women’s Futsal Cup concluded with the Capital1 Solar Strikers edging Kaya-Iloilo, 1-0, to claim the gold.
“I hope every Sunday (to see) this kind of tournament,” said Merino. “I think it’s very important to promote futsal, but I am very happy to see this game and to see new players.
“This is an example of the commitment for Philippine futsal. I hope even after the World Cup, we also promote this kind of tournament. I think for the futsal people, it’s very encouraging, very exciting, and I think it’s a good idea for everything that’s related with futsal.”
(C) Capital1
As the host of the maiden FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, the Philippines is under pressure to deliver a strong showing — a task now bolstered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to form an Inter-Agency Task Force and to rally both private and public sector participation to ensure the event’s success.
Merino faces the challenge of leading the country into uncharted territory, but he remains unfazed. His focus, and that of his squad, is on controlling what they can — preparing as thoroughly as possible to face the world’s best teams on home soil.
“Now we have regular training all month,” he said.
“We also check new possible players, improve every week with the current players, and also watch possible opponents. Now is training, training, check, check, improve, improve, and also (studying) what we need to improve. As of the moment, this is our preparation. Maybe next month, some friendly games. This is our preparation now.”
Regardless of the outcome of the World Cup, Merino hopes futsal will continue to grow in the Philippines. He believes that tournaments like the PAGSS Women’s Futsal Cup are vital stepping stones toward establishing a top-tier competition in the country.
Every major achievement begins with humble beginnings — and the organizers of the PAGSS Women’s Futsal Cup have shown that all it takes is a dedicated group of passionate individuals to set things in motion.
“The important part is to organize this kind of event as well as some courses and sessions with the trainers, small leagues, university leagues, and step-by-step, a national league in the future,” he said.
