Austalian steps down as PH coach
Coach Alen Stajcic’s time with the Philippine National Women’s Football team is over.
Stajcic said this on Tuesday as his contract, along with his assistant Nahuel Arrarte’s, ended at the conclusion of the Filipinas’ campaign in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.
Team manager Jefferson Cheng said the two won’t be returning as both coaches did not seek a contract renewal and “have asked to explore other options.”
“I would first and foremost like to express my gratitude to Sir Jeff for giving us the opportunity and entrusting us with the keys to the National Team,” said Stajcic in his farewell message to the Philippine football community.
Stajcic said their journey over the last 20 months yielded great results for the Filipinas.
Among the memorable accomplishments the Filipinas achieved were a semifinal trip to the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup and the team’s first-ever competitive bronze medal at the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi.
Then, there’s their ASEAN Football Federation title conquest in Manila and the Filipinas’ highest FIFA ranking of no. 46 in recent memory.
“But without question, the two best experiences of my coaching career thus far were the last two World Cup matches. Beating New Zealand on home soil and scoring our first World Cup goal and getting our first win was the things that dreams are made of,” said Stajcic.
The Australian mentor also commended members of the team for the valuable time and effort that they put in.
“To the players, I can only say, you were courageous, passionate, disciplined and loyal to the team, the flag and the country. Your sacrifices should be long remembered by all Philippine sports fans. To give hope and inspiration is the greatest of all achievements,” added Stajcic.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta said “Coach Alen Stajcic’s appointment as Philippine Women’s National Team head coach brought women’s football in the Philippines to new heights and hope.”
Cheng said the community “we will forever be grateful to them for changing the landscape of Philippine football forever.”
“They have they shown us what is possible with proper guidance, dedication and hard work, and their efforts have led to the greatest achievement in Philippine football thus far—a match won against the higher-ranked host nation at a World Cup. They will surely be our beloved heroes for decades to come,” said Cheng.