Filipinas assistant coach steps down

Philippine national women’s football team assistant coach Andrew Durante resigned from his post after almost two years of service.

The 43-year-old mentor announced his departure last Monday as the Filipinas qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia next year.

“Bittersweet moment for me as it will be my last camp with the team. I have loved every minute of my time with the national team over the past two years,” Durante said.

“It’s been a real honor and a privilege to be a part of this special group of people and this country. International football has so many different challenges and hurdles to overcome and I am definitely a better person and a coach for experiencing it!”

“Thank you to Mark Torcaso for trusting me and bringing me along on this journey. You have assembled some highly quality support staff around you and the love and care you have for all the players and staff is clear for everyone to see.”

Durante came into the scene in 2023 along with head coach Mark Torcaso.

He was part of the Filipinas coaching staff that made it to the quarterfinal of the Asian Games for the first time.

His final stint with the Filipinas was the Asian Cup Qualifiers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where they won all three games against rivals Saudi Arabia, hosts Cambodia, and Hong Kong in Group G.

Durante is the latest resignation in the national football teams following the departure of Philippine men’s head coach Albert Capellas, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) national teams director Freddy Gonzalez, PFF deputy technical director Josep Ferre, national team media officer Jing Jamlang and men’s national team assistant manager Mikkel Paris.

Still, Durante remains grateful for his stint in the Philippines.

“A big thank you must go to Jefferson Cheng for all the effort and support he has given this team over the years. He laid the foundations for this program to flourish,” Durante said.