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| Coach Alen Stajcic earned praise from PFF heads as he leaves the Filipinas. Mia Montayre/PFF (file photo) |
MAKATI--Philippine Football Federation officials thanked Alen Stajcic on Tuesday for leading the way in the Philippine women's football team's maiden journey in the FIFA Women's World Cup.
PFF president Nonong Araneta said Stajcic was a game-changer for Philippine women's football in general.
"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. Under his tutelage, the Filipinas dared to break the glass ceiling," Araneta said in a statement, hours after Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng announced Stajcic's departure.
PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes added, "He came at a time when opportunities beckoned and he delivered, showing that the Filipinas have the potential to do well in international competitions."
Since replacing Marlon Maro as head coach in 2021, Stajcic led the then newly-rechristened Filipinas to an AFC Women's Asian Cup semifinal stint, Southeast Games bronze medal, AFF Women's Championship pennant, and most importantly, a place in the FIFA WWC and even winning one match.
"He will long be remembered as the coach who trained and dared the team to win at any international competition," Araneta further said.
"His legacy as PWNT coach will be in the annals of Philippine football history. We join grateful Filipino fans and supporters alike in saying – Thank you very much, Coach!" Gastanes added.
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