The Philippine women’s football and men’s basketball teams. –SBP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Several members of the Philippine women’s football team visited the practice of Gilas Pilipinas on Friday in a meeting between World Cup participants of their respective sports.
In a tweet sent out by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, members of the Philippine national women’s football team were seen talking with Gilas Pilipinas team including Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson on Friday.
“The Filipinas, who played at the recently concluded 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, paid a visit at tonight’s Gilas training,” wrote the SBP.
Though incomplete, the Filipinas made their presence felt by seemingly giving a pep talk to coach Chot Reyes’ wards.
It is the latest engagement of the Filipinas following their maiden Fifa Women’s World Cup that saw them produce a landmark win over co-host New Zealand and came close to reaching the tournament’s round-of-16.
Since their arrival last week, some members attended meet-and-greet session and even took part in a motorcade arranged by the Taguig City government.
They also met President Marcos at a Malacanang event over the weekend where they handed the Chief Executive a Filipinas shirt with his name inscribed.
One of their recent activities was a participation in a segment of a noontime TV show.
Sensational goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel was in attendance alongside team captain Hali Long and reserve goalie Inna Palacios.
Sarina Bolden, who made history by giving the Filipinas their first win in the World Cup with a goal over New Zealand, was also at Philsports Arena where Gilas Pilipinas holds its scrimmages.
The Filipinas arrived home in Manila last week and have been meeting fans and supporters around the Metro and other provinces.
Gilas Pilipinas, meanwhile, is in the homestretch of its training for the Fiba World Cup scheduled in two weeks in Manila.
The Philippines is slotted in Group A against the Dominican Republic, Italy and Angola.