MANILA -- The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is setting its sights on the podium in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand later this year.
PFF President John Gutierrez told the country's sports leaders last weekend that both the men's and women's national teams are aiming for the gold medal.
Before the SEA Games, the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup 2025 will serve as a key tournament for the Philippine Women's National Football Team not just as defending champions, but also as part of a long-term strategy.
Despite potential conflicts with player availability, Gutierrez remains optimistic about fielding a full-strength lineup.
"We're going to be using the same team. And of course, some of our players, hopefully they get released by their clubs, even if it's not a FIFA window. But so far, it's looking good," he said.
Several members of the U23 squad, which recently made a strong showing at the ASEAN U23 Championship, are also expected to be part of the SEA Games men's roster.
"With the SEA Games, we're entering the women's football, women's futsal, and the men's football, which will be U22. Now, we just met some of the U23 players. I think only three of them won't make the SEA Games. So it's a very, very strong team. Nice, because they've already played together."
One standout name is Otu Abang Banatao, a rising star leading the scoring charts.
"Yeah, our top scorer is 18 years old. Mr. Otu, he's fantastic," Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez admits there's pressure especially after setting high expectations with national sports leaders but said the team is fully committed.
"So it's looking very good for us for the SEA Games. We want to win all the entries. I indirectly made a promise to President Bambol and to Chairman Pato that we'll do really well with the SEA Games, of course," he said. "So there's a bit of pressure, but we'll do our best."
This, to him, is a way to give back support given by the PSC.
"Yeah, grabe naman kasi suporta nila. So I have to give them something to look forward to," Gutierrez said.