The ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship 2024 is about to kick off at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, with the Philippine women’s futsal team aiming to make their mark on the regional stage. Competing against some of the best teams in the region, the Filipinas are ready to embrace the challenges ahead with unwavering confidence and determination.
The team recently held a press conference before the tournament, which was covered by many news outlets, including The Philippine Star, News5, and The Daily Tribune.
A Bold Step Forward
This marks the first time the Philippines is hosting this prestigious event, and the team, affectionately known as the “Pinay 5,” is determined to deliver a strong performance. Coach Vic Hermans, a Dutch futsal legend with an impressive coaching resume, emphasized the team’s commitment during a pre-tournament press conference.
“They will have to watch out for everybody. They must look at commitment and spirit,” Hermans stated, exuding confidence in his squad. “We are not afraid. We have a good team. I just want that at the end, we shoot the ball into the net.”
Hermans, known for leading Thailand to multiple ASEAN futsal titles, has brought his wealth of experience to the Philippine team. His aim? To transform the Filipinas into serious contenders on the global futsal stage.
Meet the Team
The 16-member roster boasts a mix of seasoned talents and promising newcomers, headlined by Isabella Bandoja, a standout striker currently playing for Tuloy FC. Joining her are players Mykaella Abeto, Jada Bicierro, Princess Cristobas, Agot Danton, Alisha del Campo, Louraine Evangelista, Cathrine Graversen, Samantha Hughes, Claire Lubetania, Hazel Lustan, Vrendelle Nuera, Lanie Ortillo, Althea Rebosura, Kayla Santiago and Angelica Teves, all of whom bring both skill and grit to the squad.
The team’s path in the tournament is anything but easy. The Filipinas opened their campaign against World No. 37 Myanmar and are set to face futsal powerhouses Thailand (No. 6) and Vietnam (No. 11) in the group stages, along with Indonesia (No. 24). Despite the daunting lineup, Bandoja shared her team’s fighting spirit:
“We want to dominate this tournament,” she declared. “We want to win this tournament.”
A Tournament with Purpose
The ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship is more than just a competition; it’s a platform to inspire young athletes across the Philippines. Danny Moran, team manager and a key figure in the foundation supporting Philippine futsal development, highlighted the bigger picture:
“This is the first stage. We’re the lowest-ranked team, and it would be a very tough journey. But like I said, the journey has risks and challenges, and we’re here to face them,” Moran said. “With the right team, the right combination, and our mutual help with the Philippine Football Federation, we can achieve a lot.”
John Gutierrez, president of the Philippine Football Federation, echoed these sentiments, noting that events like this can ignite a passion for futsal among the youth:
“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.
Building Toward the Future
The championship also serves as a critical step in the Filipinas’ preparations for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in 2025, an event that the Philippines will also host. The experience gained here will be invaluable as the team sets its sights on making history next year.
The Filipinas’ journey in the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship is a testament to their resilience, determination, and the power of sport to unite and inspire. As the Pinay 5 take to the court, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them rise to the occasion and showcase the Philippines’ growing presence in the world of futsal.
Cheer for the Filipinas!
Fans are encouraged to attend the games at the PhilSports Arena and rally behind the team. As Bandoja pointed out, “We’re expecting the support, and their presence will be a big help to us.”
The Filipinas are ready to give their all. Let’s show them we are, too. Catch the action, and together, let’s chase futsal glory.