New Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso. –PFF HANDOUT
The Philippine women’s football team named Australian coach Mark Torcaso to succeed compatriot Alen Stajcic following the Filipinas’ debut stint in the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Torcaso was appointed on Wednesday where he’ll be tasked to call the shots for the Hangzhou Asian Games and the second round of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
“We are confident that they will continue raising the standards of the Philippine women’s national team on all aspects and take the team to greater heights at the back of a historic and memorable 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in New Zealand,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta.
The 42-year-old carries impressive credentials, having steered A-League Women side Western United to the Grand Final. Torcaso was also named the season’s Coach of the Year.
FILE – Filipinas acknowledge their supporters after a 2-0 loss to Switzerland during the Women’s World Cup Group A soccer match between the Philippines and Switzerland in Dunedin, New Zealand, Friday, July 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Two of his players are currently with the Filipinas, namely Angie Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki.
“Watching the development of the team over the last couple of years has been amazing, from the AFF Championship to the World Cup, and I feel honored to be able to try to continue this growth,” said Torcaso.
Joining Torcaso on his staff are Australian Sinisha Cohadzic and former New Zealand international Andrew Durante.
Cohadzic will also have a dual role as coach of the women’s U-17 and U-20 teams.