Former Australian women’s football manager Alen Stajcic was named the head coach of the Philippine women’s football team on Tuesday, October 26.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) appointed Stajcic to steer the team in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 that will be staged from January 20 to February 6.

Stajcic will succeed Marlon Maro, who guided the Philippine team to a tenth Asian Cup appearance in the qualifiers held last September in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Philippines defeated Nepal and Hong Kong to clinch a second straight berth in the continental tournament for a chance to capture its maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup berth.

The Australian coach led the Matildas in the qualification for the 2015 Women’s World Cup, where he was able to bring them to the quarterfinals.

Stajcic also led the Australian team to a 2016 Rio Olympics berth for the first time in 12 years, where they reached the quarterfinals.

In 2017, the Matildas secured a record FIFA ranking of No. 4 under his tenure, and he was shortlisted for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach award in 2018.

Though the 47-year-old steered the Matildas to another Women’s World Cup berth, he was sacked by Football Federation Australia and was replaced by Ante Milicic.

“We are thrilled that Alen Stajcic has accepted the position to be the head coach of the Philippine women’s national team,” said PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.

“His appointment shows the commitment and determination of the PFF to give our women’s national team the best possible chance to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

Stajcic will be joined by assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte, who was the former’s assistant coach in the Matlidas from 2017 to 2019, and is attached with A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers.

The PFF also thanked Maro for his contributions to the team and was appointed as the Head of PFF Coaching Education.

The Philippine women’s football team will be holding its tryouts for the Asian Cup, and the selected pool will proceed training camp in Irvine, California from November 10, 2021 to January 15, 2022. – Rappler.com