PH coach candidate for major award

After steering the Philippine women’s national team to a first AFC Asian Cup appearance next year, coach Letecia “Buda” Bautista has emerged as candidate for Asian Football Confederation women’s coach of the year.

Bautista is vying for the prestigious trophy against China under-16 coach Gao Hongand and Japan women’s team mentor Asako Takakura. Japan’s women’s team is considered one of the finest sides in the world.

Bautista was largely credited for her role in leading the Malditas to a breakthrough AFC Asian Cup appearance next year after finishing second in their qualifying group last April in Tajikistan.

The winner of the award will be announced in the AFC gala night in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 29.