The team manager of Pinay5 is open to test the mettle of the national team that the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) assembled to represent the country in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers in Uzbekistan from 11 to 19 January.
Danny Moran told DAILY TRIBUNE that if challenged, they are willing to face the newly-formed squad by the federation that is being handled by Spanish coach Rafa Merino in a friendly match to help them prepare for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.
The Pinay5 were supposed to see action in the Asian Cup qualifiers and the World Cup.
But the PFF suddenly sacked their coach, Dutch Vic Hermans, and transferred him to the men’s team that threw the entire program in disarray.
Worse, PFF president John Gutierrez assembled a new team with a new coach, effectively replacing the team of Moran and Hermans that has been preparing for the past three years.
Moran sought an explanation but Gutierrez has yet to address the issue.
Moran, the chairman of The Henry V. Moran Foundation, said they are always ready to clash with the PFF-assembled squad not just to help them prepare for major tourneys ahead but also to determine who is the better team with better players.
“We are open to having friendly matches with the team if it’s possible,” Moran said in a telephone conversation on Tuesday night, moments after Gutierrez introduced the composition of the new national futsal squad.
“I am willing to help the legitimate national team get stronger before the World Cup by facing strong opponents.”
Of all of Hermans’ players, only Alisha del Campo, Kayla Santiago, Samantha Hughes, Vrandelle Nuera and Catherine Gravenson opted to join the PFF-backed national team. They will join other players handpicked by the PFF in Sheen Borres, Shelah Mae Cadag, Sara Castañeda, Judy Connolly, Isabella Flanigan, Katrina Guillou, Rocelle Mendaño, Regine Rebosora and Dionesa Tolentin.
They are facing a serious challenge in the qualifiers after they landed in Group C with host Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Australia and Kuwait.
Only the top two teams per group and the best third-placer will advance to the Women’s Futsal Asian Cup in China from 7 to 18 May. The event will also serve as a qualifier for the World Cup, although the Philippines is already assured of a spot being the host country.
Moran said he remains clueless on the reason why the federation suddenly changed its direction and shattered their program.
“The action of the PFF in removing him (Hermans) as head coach of the women’s national futsal team is illegal. It lacks due process, explanation and cannot be made unilaterally by the PFF alone,” Moran said.
“We are still trying to resolve this matter.”