PFF bolsters continued growth of women’s football with Women’s Cup

MANILA, Philippines – After breakthrough wins on the international stage in recent years, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) looks to stir more growth in the local women’s football scene through the ongoing PFF Women’s Cup. 

According to PFF director Freddy Gonzales, the fourth season of the domestic league will elevate the sport even further as players, including those who played in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will see action in the tournament. 

“What’s really exciting about this is we have a lot of the players who were part of the last World Cup squad coming back to the country and playing for the local clubs,” said Gonzales in a press conference at the Coca-Cola office in Taguig. 

“It is going to be really exciting for fans because right away these women lift up the level of play so it should be really good for everybody involved, local players as well as the fans,” he added.

The Women’s Cup features six teams, namely, Kaya Football Club (FC) Iloilo, Stallion Laguna FC, Azzuri SC, Beach Hut, Tuloy FC, and Manila Digger FC. 

Filipinas’ players Hali Long (Kaya-Iloilo), goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel (Stallion), and Quinley Quezada (Manila Digger) are among the top stars in the league. 

Other national team players who will be in action are Chandler McDaniel, Inna Palacios, Sofia Harrison, Reena Balajadia, Isabella Bandoja, Mary Christine Duran, Hazel Lustan, and Isabella Passion.

Each team will play 10 matches at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila during weekends.

Gonzales also emphasized the exposure the players will have in the tournament for future national team commitments. 

“It is really important that the women here get regular games week in, week out so that they can be ready when they represent the Philippines in international competitions,” Gonzalez said.

The league, which is a precursor of the bigger PFF Women’s League, debuted last weekend where Manila Digger beat Stallion Laguna, 2-1, and Beach Hut took down Azzuri SC, 5-1.

The tournament will coincide with the Pink Ladies Cup in Turkey, where the Filipinas are scheduled to face Jordan and Congo on October 26 and 30. 

“We are very excited to see them play. It’s been a while since we last saw them played,” said Gonzales. 

Joining the Filipinas will be the debuting Maz Pacheco and top scorer Sarina Bolden. – Rappler.com