Newly appointed Philippine women’s national football team head coach Mark Torcaso is eyeing continued success for the Filipinas in hurried effort as the squad debuts at the Asian Games this September in China. 

The Australian, who replaced compatriot Alen Stajcic at the touchline, has been tasked to lead the Nationals at the Asiad where they got tangled with South Korea, Myanmar and Hong Kong in Group E.

This, following Stajcic’s decision to end his 18-month coaching journey with the Philippines two days after the country’s captivating run at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Bringing Andrew Durante along as an assistant coach, Torcaso will remain in his role with Western United in the A-League. 

“As I understand, the girls have returned back to their countries where they are [residing and playing], some are within the clubs in the Philippines. So, it’s obviously gauging where they are at. It’s very important for us in the first couple of days of camp just to see where everyone is at from that perspective physically. But also mentally, some of these players came from a very, very hard two years of football. The demands of a World Cup, we’re gonna see what that looks like when they arrive,” said Torcaso. 

“We’re looking at the girls emotionally as well because the last couple of years have been big for the players and also for the staff. Probably just checking in when they arrive and building towards the Asian Games. The only difficult thing is that we’ve got such a short time to prepare aside from the Asian Games, there’s also the Olympic Qualifiers,” he furthered. 

Team manager Jeff Cheng, who affirmed his commitment to support the Filipinas, echoed the same concern while remaining upbeat about the team’s promising future in the world stage. 

“Asian Games is just around the corner, so we’re sort of in a time pressure as well. I’m glad that coach Mark has joined us and we’ll start the ball rolling with the camps, the under-17 and the senior team simultaneously in Manila by the end of August all the way up to the tournament dates,” Cheng said. 

The Filipinas had their week-long homecoming after the World Cup where they also got to regroup while awaiting announcement of their new mentor. 

Three weeks later, most players have resumed their respective domestic and overseas club duties and will get together by the end of the month for their training camp here in the country.

“These technically gifted players, those that play for their shirts, play with their hearts, it’s about bringing them all together and making sure that we get the best balance for each camp and each tournament,” added Torcaso. 

There will be no rest for the Philippines as action continues when it marches to the second round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament the following month. 

“Also a good indication for us to see how we are gonna go going into the Olympic Qualifiers as well. Hopefully we get as much as we can together going into this camp and be as prepared as we can for the Asian Games and then focus and be prepared for the Olympic Qualifiers,” Torcaso said.