Western United’s Mark Torcaso to replace departed Alen Stajcic as Philippines national women’s coach

Following on from the good work of Alen Stajcic, another Australian has been appointed as coach of the Philippines national women’s team.

The Philippines have again appointed an Australian to coach their national women’s football team, with Western United mentor Mark Torcaso to take over from the departed Alen Stajcic.

Having led the Philippines to a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup win over New Zealand last month, Stajcic stood down after his team’s exit from the tournament to take charge of Perth Glory’s men team

He been replaced by Torcaso, the reigning A-League women’s coach of the year after last season guiding Western United to the grand final in the club’s maiden campaign in the women’s competition.

Torcaso, who will remain in charge of United’s women’s team, said it was a “dream come true” to be appointed to an international coaching role.

“The Philippines team has been a great football story over the last year and it is really exciting to be able to work with this group,” he said.

“I can’t wait to get started and bring more success to this nation.”

Alen Stajcic guided the Philippines to a FIFA Women’s World Cup win over New Zealand. Picture: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Torcaso will be assisted by A-League great and Western United assistant under-23 coach Andrew Durante.

Western United general manager of football Mal Impiombato said the club was “proud” of Torcaso and Durante.

“Mark showed his talent as a coach with us last season in getting the girls to the grand final in the inaugural season and he is richly deserving of this opportunity,” Impiombato said.

“Andrew’s amazing A-League career as a player and his own personal values primes him to be a highly valuable asset to any coaching team and he has had a phenomenal impact at our club.”

Torcaso will also be assisted by South Melbourne technical director Sinisa Cohadzic.

Philippine Football Federation general secretary Atty Edwin Gastanes said it was important that the national TEAM continued the “momentum” generated by Stajcic.

“We have a motivated and accomplished coach in Mark Torcaso, together with his staff, ready to lead our women’s teams in upcoming competitions,” Gastanes said.

Torcaso will go head-to-head with Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson in October when the Philippines meets Australia during the Paris Olympic Games qualifiers.

Originally published as Western United’s Mark Torcaso to replace departed Alen Stajcic as Philippines national women’s coach