Pinay5 braces for a tough road ahead of the High5 Futsal League title despite being seen as one of the strongest teams around.

Head coach Vic Hermans told DAILY TRIBUNE that he sees Philippine Women’s University (PWU), University of Makati (UMak), and defending champion Tuloy FC as tough tests for them if they want to clinch their first-ever High5 crown.

Hermans, a former tactician for the national women’s futsal team, said there is also the fact that he is competing against coaches who he once taught the fundamentals of the sport.

Completing the 10-team competition are Caramia, Azzuri SC, Santa Rosa City Lions, Payatas FC, GK Sipag FC and Purple Wolves.

“Tuloy, PWU, UMak, and us (Pinay5) are competing to get to the top four spots,” Hermans said.

“I taught AFC (Asian Football Confederation)-level courses for futsal coaches. I know all the coaches and I’m happy now that I see things that we’re learning.”

The Pinay5 are on a four-game winning streak with their latest victory being a 17-0 beatdown on Caramia last Saturday.

Pinay5 striker Isabella Bandoja echoed Herman’s words as they need to stay humble despite being touted as favorites to win it all.

The former Tuloy FC star said their experience competing in the 2024 ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship last November helped them polish their skills for the league.

“We can’t slow down as our opponents are no joke. Every team is bringing their best game try and beat the Pinay5,” Bandoja said.

“Playing in the ASEAN tournament helped us know what we need to improve on and apply it here in the High5 League.”

The Pinay5 need to finish the single round robin as one of the top two teams to enter the finals.

Meanwhile, the third and fourth best squads after the elimination round will be vying for the bronze medal.