Going into the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, the Philippine Women’s Under-17 group have one purpose in thoughts – replicate the exploits of their senior counterparts and qualify to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup by ending within the high three.
As all the time, it’s simpler stated than finished.
Bracketed in Group A with hosts Indonesia, perennial favorites North Korea, and heavyweights South Korea, the duty is daunting as it’s difficult for the Philippines, who’re making their debut look on this competitors.
But, just like the senior Filipinas, they go in with a quiet confidence {that a} high three end will be achieved on this event, which will likely be held in Bali, Indonesia from May 6 – 19, 2024.
As a part of their remaining preparations, the U17s have been on the Vermosa soccer pitch to play an exhibition match in opposition to present PFF Women’s League champions Kaya Women’s and on the sidelines a well-recognized face was at hand.
Sporting a buzz minimize earlier than coming to Manila ‘to beat the warmth’, Filipinas’ co-captain Tahnai Annis was seen conferring with U17 coach Sinisa Cohadzic on the sidelines.
“I’m on staff as one of the assistant coaches, or trainers, or mentors. I kinda wear a lot of hats,” stated the affable Annis.
“I’m definitely just helping anywhere that is needed.”
Fondly referred to as ‘T’, Annis explains her motivation in becoming a member of the teaching workers of the U17s.
“My motivation for wanting to be part of staff is to be there for the girls and be a little bit more of a link from our youth to our senior team and just make us more accessible to them and know that we support them and that our teams are connected.”
“It’s not two separate entities, so that was my main motivation for wanting to help coach the U17s.”
Seeing the Filipinas midfield maestro on the sidelines giving pointers and directions should have left fairly the impression on the younger women on the squad, however Annis insists that the sensation is mutual.
“It is definitely more fulfilling to kinda being able to give back and see just how talented the youth are now.”
“Like, I tell them every time how impressed I am by them and just their talent level and things like that and I’m just really excited for them as they get older.”
“I can’t believe that most of them are 14-15-16 years old and at this point — half my age — so It’s very fulfilling and I’m just really excited for what the future brings for them and as they get older and start to filter into the senior team.”
Annis just isn’t one to present daring predictions on the event, however she believes the younger Filipinas are “gonna have a fighting chance for sure.”
“(With) the way that these girls compete and their passion and desire to win and fight for one another and fight for the country, we’re definitely gonna make some waves over there, I hope.”
“I definitely believe in this team that we can get the results that we need.”
But earlier than followers can get forward of themselves and consider the U17 FIFA World Cup, it is very important acknowledge the enormity of the duty forward within the U17 Asian Cup.
The younger Filipinas first have to care for business in opposition to hosts Indonesia on May 6 – no imply feat contemplating the appreciable assist the house group is definitely going to get on the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, dwelling Liga 1 facet Bali United.
Next up will likely be three-time champions North Korea, who has reached the ultimate in seven of eight editions of the competitors, earlier than ending the group levels in opposition to a South Korea group boasting of star participant Casey Phair of NWSL’s Angel City.
But the younger Filipinas don’t have any scarcity of high quality gamers themselves, from captain and defensive stalwart Ariana Markey to ahead Nina Mathelus, who’re anticipated to be key gamers for the nation.
Kickoff in opposition to Indonesia is at 7 p.m. Philippine time on May 6.
Good luck, women!
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
