Indonesians hire Stajcic

Australian coach Alen Stajcic is looking to replicate the success he had with the Filipinas as he now takes charge of the Indonesia women’s national football team.

Stajcic, who guided the Philippines to its maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2023, said he plans to bring in heritage players to strengthen the Indonesians, who are currently ranked No. 105 in the International Football Federation (FIFA) rankings.

The Australian coach said his approach would be similar to the one he implemented during his stint with the Filipinas from 2021 to 2023, stressing that players’ commitment to the country matters more than where they were born.

“When I coached the Philippines, we faced the same question: How many players were born locally compared to those born overseas? My answer is always the same,” Stajcic said during a press conference on Monday.

“Anyone who plays for the jersey and with the heart of that country, anyone who plays with an Indonesian heart, is welcome in my team, as long as they play with passion for the country, the flag and the people.”

The Filipinas enjoyed a successful campaign under Stajcic, highlighted by their triumph in the 2022 ASEAN Women’s Championship on home soil.

The Philippines defeated Thailand, 3-0, in the final to capture its first regional title.

In the same year, the Filipinas also bagged a bronze medal in the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, marking their first podium finish since women’s football was introduced in the biennial meet in 1985.

But Stajcic’s biggest achievement with the Filipinas came in 2023 when he steered them to their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

The Philippines made the most of its historic debut by securing its first victory when it stunned host New Zealand, 1-0, through a header from Sarina Bolden.