Jefferson Cheng's departure as team manager is a big blow to the Philippine women’s football team.
A tougher challenge awaits the Filipinas in the aftermath of team manager Jefferson Cheng’s departure on Sunday, June 23.
That’s finding the right person who will fill the big shoes left by Cheng, who proved instrumental in the team’s rise from from relative obscurity to an emerging world-level team.
“As Director of National Teams, the challenge of filling the void created by this departure falls under my responsibility,” said Director of National Teams Freddy Gonzalez in a statement.
“It's a huge challenge, but I have every intention to make sure we keep the program of the women's national team progressing in the right direction. We must continue building on Jeff's great work.”
To say that the next person on the job has big shoes to fill is an understatement. With Cheng as team manager, Filipinas made a historic entry into the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.
As if that wasn’t enough, the lady booters continued to impress and beat host New Zealand, 1-0.
Cheng, though, ultimately decided to step down, citing team's goals don't align with the organization anymore.
“For several months, we tried our best to make things work, under new and very different circumstances. Unfortunately, the situation is not workable,” Cheng said in his statement.
“Our priorities and goals do not align, and the PWNT organization that we worked hard to develop in the past years is incompatible with current methods.”
As big of a loss is this for women’s football, Gonzalez had to accept his resignation.
“"Regretfully, I've had to accept Jeff Cheng's wish to depart as Manager of the Philippine Women's National Teams. His massive contribution to Philippine Football has been a source of great pride for all of us in the last few years, and I had hoped he could continue in his role,” he said.
“It's a big loss, but I must respect his decision and move forward.”