PFF Unveils Women’s Futsal Team, New Coach

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has announced the 14-player roster for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, that takes place at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from January 11 to 19, 2025.

The team consists of local and international players selected during a talent identification camp held in Manila from December 26 to 30, 2024.

The PFF aims to field a competitive team against Group C rivals Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Australia. The squad began training on January 2, 2025.

The roster includes Sheen Borres, Shelah Mae Cadag, Sara Castañeda, Judy Connolly, Alisha Del Campo, Isabella Flanigan, Cathrine Graversen, Katrina Guillou, Samantha Hughes, Rocelle Mendaño, Vrendelle Nuera, Regine Rebosora, Kayla Santiago, and Dionesa Tolentin.

Leading the team is newly appointed head coach Rafa Merino Rodriguez, a Barcelona-born tactician holding a UEFA Pro License and an FA Level 1 certification. Merino has coached first-division futsal clubs such as Pescados Rubén Burela FS and Esportiu Rubí FS in Spain.

“I am honored to be appointed head coach of the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team,” Merino said.

“I look forward to building a competitive, unified squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. We are focused on achieving success in the upcoming tournament.”

The qualifiers will follow a centralized league format, with teams divided into four groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the best third-placed team overall, will advance to the finals in China later this year. The top three teams in the finals will qualify for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.

The Philippines has already secured automatic qualification for the World Cup, which the country will host from November 21 to December 7, 2025.

The PFF expressed pride in being selected as the World Cup’s first-ever host and committed to ensuring the team’s successful participation. The federation sees this milestone as a key moment to elevate Philippine futsal on the global stage and inspire aspiring players nationwide.

“The Asian Cup Qualifiers will set the tone for our FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup campaign,” PFF President John Gutierrez said.

“We’re confident in the team we’ve assembled under Coach Merino. These players are dedicated to representing the country with pride,” Gutierrez added.

He emphasized the federation’s focus on making a mark in Asia while preparing for the World Cup, treating the AFC qualifiers as a serious test of their capabilities.

The Philippines will open its campaign against Kuwait on January 11, 2025, at 9 p.m. (PHT).

Schedule for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers:

• January 11, 2025 – Philippines vs. Kuwait | Saturday, 9:00 PM
• January 13, 2025 – Philippines vs. Uzbekistan | Monday, 6:00 PM
• January 15, 2025 – Philippines vs. Turkmenistan | Wednesday, 6:00 PM
• January 19, 2025 – Philippines vs. Australia | Sunday, 6:00 PM