Coach Alen Stajcic Bid Farewell to Philippine Women’s Football Team
After an impressive run as coach of the Philippine women’s football team, Coach Alen Stajcic has announced his departure. His tenure will be remembered for leading the team to their dream debut in the Fifa (International Association Football Federation) Women’s World Cup, setting a benchmark for future coaches.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Stajcic expressed pride in the progress they made. He singled out their final match against Norway, which drew a crowd of 34,000 spectators, with 30,000 fans cheering for the Filipinas. Stajcic called it a spine-chilling moment that showcased the growing popularity of football in the Philippines.
Stajcic’s contract, as well as that of his assistant Nahuel Arrarte, expired after the team’s World Cup journey ended with a 6-0 loss to Norway. Both coaches had expressed a desire to explore other options. While Stajcic’s next move remains unknown, there have been rumors linking him to a coaching position with the A-League men’s side Perth Glory in Australia.
Looking ahead, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and team management face the challenge of finding a coach of Stajcic’s caliber as they prepare for upcoming tournaments like the Hangzhou Asian Games and the second round of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
PFF President Mariano Araneta paid tribute to Stajcic’s contribution to women’s football in the Philippines. He acknowledged the coach’s dedication and success in leading the team to their first-ever World Cup berth during the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup. Under Stajcic’s guidance, the team also won the bronze medal in the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games and dominated the AFF Women’s Championship. Additionally, the Filipino team’s ranking in Fifa’s women’s football rankings has seen a steady rise and currently stands at 46th.
Stajcic himself hailed the team’s achievements and singled out their outstanding performance in New Zealand. Despite having limited experience in top-level competition, the Filipinas secured a victory over the co-host country thanks to Sarina Bolden’s goal, Olivia McDaniel’s exceptional goalkeeping, and solid defensive play.
As Stajcic bids farewell to the team, he expressed his appreciation to everyone who has been part of their incredible journey. He commended the players for their courage, passion, discipline, and loyalty to the team, flag, and country. Stajcic believes their sacrifices should be remembered by all Philippine sports fans, and he expressed his hope for a bright future for the team.
