The Philippine national women’s futsal team will not only be flying to Uzbekistan with a new-look squad but also a new head coach.

Spanish mentor Rafa Merino will lead the Philippines in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Tashkent from 11 to 19 January.

Speaking to the DAILY TRIBUNE at the sidelines of the squad’s send-off ceremony Tuesday, the Spanish mentor said the opportunity came when Philippine Football Federation (PFF) technical director Josep Ferre contacted him last month.

“It was very fast. It was practically days before I came here on the 26th when he (Ferre) called me,” said Meniro, who last coached at Pescados Rubén Burela FS in Spain.

Merino said while two weeks of talent identification and training wasn’t enough, they had to do their best to make the most our of the time given.

The Spanish mentor replaced former head coach Vic Hermans, who was moved to the men’s team.

“We have worked for practically two weeks. I think the team goes well for a coach is never enough time but I think it goes very well,” said Merino, who holds a Level 3 UEFA Pro License and an FA Level 1 license in England.

“I think for a coach it’s never enough time to prepare. We have concepts assimilated but above all, I think that the mentality is strong and is the most important thing.”

Bannering the squad for the tournament are Sheen Borres, Shelah Mae Cadag, Sara Castañeda, Judy Connolly, Alisha Del Campo, Isabella Flanigan, Cathrine Graversen, Katrina Guillou, Samantha Hughes, Rocelle Mendaño, Vrendelle Nuera, Regine Rebosora, Kayla Santiago and Dionesa Tolentin.

Only Del Campo, Santiago, Hughes, Nuera and Graversen were part of the futsal squad that competed in the ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship last November at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.

The Philippines is in Group C of the Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers along with host Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Australia and Kuwait.

Only the top two teams per group and best third-placed team will advance to the Women’s Futsal Asian Cup in China from 7 to 18 May.

This competition will serve as a qualifier for the upcoming FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines from 21 November to 7 December.

While the Philippines is already qualified for the World Cup as the host, Merino stressed they will be taking this competition seriously to further hone the squad.

“I do like the team to be aggressive both in high blocks and low blocks. And always have the intention to steal or generate errors on the opponents’ attack.”