Marlon Maro named new Malditas coach

Marlon Maro is back as Philippine women's team coach. PFF

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--A familiar face is returning to the Philippine national football team program.

The Philippine Football Federation announced on Saturday that Marlon Maro has been tapped to coach the women's team ahead of a crucial stint in its road to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Maro is not new to coaching the distaff side as he was its coach from 2001-2007, way before the Malditas' current glory days.

Maro last coached a Philippine team from 2015-2017 when he handled the Azkals' under-23 and, at some point, the seniors team.

Maro has already been with the Malditas, leading their online training.

The Malditas will return to action in the qualifiers of the AFC Women's Asian Cup in Kathmandu this Septermber.

The Malditas, currently ranked 65th in the world, are expected to book a spot in the main tournament of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, a qualifier for the FIFA WWC.

“I am honored to be given the trust by the PFF to lead the women’s national team as it prepares to qualify for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup,” said Maro on his appointment. “The women’s national team rose through the ranks in recent years and the main goal of the team is not just to win an international tournament, but also, and more importantly, to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

PFF secretary general Ed Gastanes expressed bullishness about Maro's reappointment with the women's team.

“Coach Maro has been an instrumental figure in football both as a coaching instructor and as a head coach,” Gastanes said. “As head coach of the women’s national team, we are confident that he can guide the team to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and hopefully to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

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