Philippines Lagging In International Games

The Malditas were unable to find a spot on the podium in this years SEA Games–but all hope is not lost, because promising talent in the grassroots system can keep them competitive.

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The Philippine Malditas goal of finishing on the podium in the 2017 SEA Games were destroyed, after the team finished with 1 win and 3 losses.

Vietnam was the eventual Gold winners in the competition, and Thailand finished second while Myanmar took third.

As the team returned home, I had coach Let Dimzon in for an exclusive interview concerning the competition and the way forward.

In the interview, Dimzon revealed that though she was not satisfied with the outcome of the competition, there were glimpses of good things to come for the team.

“The competition was not so good but we had better performance playing against tough teams, especially when we played against Thailand in the final game.”

Here’s what else she had to say:

Q: What were the most obvious things affecting the team?

A: Technical and Tactical we are left behind. But the way our players played against defending champion Thailand was our best game ever.

Q: What do you think need to be done to catch up with the rest of Asia?

A: The only thing we need to fill the gap is long term program for women’s football, preparation wise, and more international game exposure. We cannot progress if we always go back to zero. And one or two months preparation will always lead us to failure. We cannot progress with this kind of system.

Q: Some players in the team came from grassroots football. Did that also have an impact on the team?

A: Yes, most of them started football at a young age and their major competition had been 11 aside games at high school tournament like Rifa. But that experience is not enough in the national team. We cannot move up if they will always play on the same level of teams they’re playing now.

Q: What needs to be done in preparation for Jordan?

A: Scout more quality players, start the training early and have another international camp.

Q: How was the feeling in the camp after the 6:0 loss to Myanmar?

A: I took the responsibility.

Q: What are the positive things you took home from the team?

A: We are still far from the level of those teams. But the way we played against Thailand was remarkable for me. They showed their pride and heart in the game. I really felt that they played with me. Though we had less possession, the way they worked together was great.

Q: What would be your advice to the coaches handling female grassroots teams in the Philippines?

A: The most important aspect in developing young footballers are the foundations. At the very young age, we must get the balance. Aside from the fun, we must instill in young players the discipline in all aspect of the game. We are far behind not just the techniques and tactics but also in speed of play.

For the first team, we need to train together for a long period to be familiar with the system and individual game.

Q: What is the team going to do now as the SEA game is over?

A: It’s always the Federation call.

On a final note, the result in the SEA Games was not good enough but it’s a lesson learned for the team and for the coaches.