This year saw the meteoric rise of the Philippine women’s national football team on the world stage.

Year 2024 should be more promising. 

Filipinas head coach Mark Torcaso is hoping for continued success as he greets his first full stint at the helm next year.

“It’s obviously come off a fantastic last two to three years of what this is built. And now we’re in a position where we’ve got our highest ranking ever and that’s a huge testament to everyone who’s been part of this over the last two to three years. The staff and in particular the players and all the support that the Philippine Football Federation has given,” Torcaso said. 

“The players in particular (have) put in the hard yards no matter if (they) were part of this three years ago or (they’re) newly part of it over the last three to six months.”

Torcaso replaced decorated three-time World Cup coach and fellow Australian Alen Stajcic last August at the touchline following the latter’s departure from the team shortly after the Philippines’ historic maiden appearance in the quadrennial meet. 

With the short turnaround, the 42-year-old Torcaso called the shots for the Nationals in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September before they saw action in the second round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament the following month.

Just two weeks ago, Torcaso and his coaching staff held an identification camp for the Filipinas in the USA as they gear up for another busy year ahead. 

“Every person has had a responsibility of putting on that shirt. And if you have done that, you contribute to obviously this ranking so I want to thank all the players from my perspective and all the staff that have put in the hard yards to get us to this point. Currently the players are working extremely hard within their own environment at their clubs. Some players have got a break within season, some players are having their end of season and complete rest at the moment too,” Torcaso furthered. 

“All these players will all continue to work within whatever space that they’re working in and hopefully be ready for a really good 2024 which will be pretty hectic. We’ll have a lot of games and we’ll continue to push our ranking as much as possible so players will continue to work really hard.” 

As his mid-year appointment comes to an end, the 2023 A-League Women Coach of the Year is looking forward to bank on this year’s gains and hopes for the Filipinas.