Filipinas embark on a historic trip to South America

Photo Credits: Philippine Women's National Football Team

With their preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup shifting into high gear, the Philippine Women's National Team will now set up a training camp in South America for the very first time in the nation's footballing history.

After finding out their opponents in next year's competition, the Filipinas continue their preparation for their debut in the world cup by visiting South America, Chile, to be specific.

They will set up an 11-day camp in Chile which would include two matches against the host nation.

The first match is slated on 12 November at the Estadio Sausalito in Viña del Mar with the rematch set three days later at the Municipal dela Pintana in the capital Santiago. Both matches are authorized by FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL).

"The camp and the matches are historic as this will be the first time the PFF will be sending the team to South America," said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta. "With less than a year before the Women's World Cup, the PFF wants to make sure that the team continues to stay sharp and ready."

PFF general secretary Atty Edwin Gastanes expressed gratitude to the Football Federation of Chile for hosting the Filipinas for the camp and matches. "We are grateful to our friends from the Football Federation of Chile for their help," said Gastanes.

"Not only are they giving the Filipinas quality opposition with their women's national team, but they will also provide good accommodations and facilities for the team to sustain their buildup for the World Cup."

Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng welcomed the opportunity to play a team of Chile's pedigree. La Roja Femenina qualified for the 2019 World Cup. Ranked No. 38 by FIFA, they are in the continental playoff for the three remaining FFWC 2023 berths.

"It's a great opportunity for the team to continue testing their abilities and to improve,"

said Cheng. The Filipinas are grouped with New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland in the World Cup next year.