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PH to host ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship on November 16
The Philippines will host the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship to be held on November 16 to 21 at the Philsports Arena.
This tourney will serve as a kick off of the Pinay 5’s one-year buildup for their stint in the grandest stage — the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s Cup in November next year that the country is also hosting.
Meanwhile, Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez hopes that the hosting of this tournament in the country and the 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup will inspire young Filipinos to pick up the sport.
Photo Courtesy: Philippine Women's National Football Team/FB
“It’s very heartwarming to know our national team competes in the most prestigious events. Young boys and girls can get into the sport because just like their senior counterparts, we can make it. We have the talent for it. We are built for it,” Gutierrez said.
Filipinas national coach Vic Hermans emphasized that they will not get intimidated when they take on the strongest and the best futsal teams in ASEAN.
“They will have to watch out for everybody. They must look at commitment and spirit. We are not afraid. We have a good team. I just want that at the end, we shoot the ball into the net. Last Friday was the last time I trained with the team all together. We have seven to eight days to work on the details but that is my job.” said Hermans.
Aside from hosting this prestigious competition, the national team is also prepared and 100 percent confident against more established rivals in the Asean region.
“The national team is preparing well and we’re 100 percent confident. We want to dominate and win this tournament. I’m excited because this is the first time I will be competing in this kind of tournament,” player Isabella Bandoja said.
The Filipinas football team will compete as the underdogs versus world No. 6 Thailand, No. 11 Vietnam, No. 24 Indonesia and No. 37 Myanmar.
“Against tough teams, we’ll do our best to give a good result for the Philippines,” she added.
Joining ace striker Ms. Bandoja in the squad are Filipinas mainstay Alisha del Campo, Cathrine Graversen, Mykaella Abeto, Samantha Hughes, Kayla Santiago, Vrendelle Nuera, Princess Cristobas, Lanie Ortillo, Claire Lubetania, Agot Danton, Jada Bicierro, Althea Rebosura, Hazel Lustan, Louraine Evangelista, and Angelica Teves.
