The Philippine Football Federation officials paid tribute to coach Alen Stajcic for his instrumental role in shaping the Philippine national women’s football team into a formidable squad, poised to make a statement in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Stajcic, who is exploring other options together with his deputy coach Nahuel Arrarte, is leaving the Filipinas as his contract with the team expired after their World Cup campaign.
PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta praised Stajcic for the job he has done with the national team, citing that the Australian football manager “showed full dedication to hone the Filipinas into a fighting team.”
“He will long be remembered as the coach who trained and dared the team to win at any international competition. Maraming salamat, Coach Alen,” Araneta said.
“We thank Coach Alen for his outstanding services rendered. His legacy as PWNT coach will be in the annals of Philippine football history,” said PFF secretary-general Atty. Ed Gastanes.
The federation also hailed the Filipinas’ achievements in the World Cup.
After opening their historic World Cup campaign with a loss against Switzerland, the Filipinas did the unthinkable by defeating New Zealand in the group stages of the tournament.
The Pinays eventually closed their stint with a 6-0 loss to former World Cup champion Norway.
“Over the course of the last 18 months, the Filipinas united the country in support of their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance. While they may have missed out on qualification to the knockout stages, they have achieved something greater, and that was to see the entire Filipino community in the Philippines and wherever they are around the world show their overwhelming support to the team,” Araneta said.
“We recognize the hard work and sacrifices this team has made to make our World Cup dream a reality,” he added.
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