Members of the Philippine national women’s football team are still keen on keeping the name Malditas.
Holding on to a unique identity will make their experiences in the international stage more meaningful.
Team skipper and goalie Ina Palacios said this as they get ready to leave for the United States within the week.
“Kailangan naming maging authentic. The team needs to be distinct and meaningful with its name,” said Palacios in a recent radio interview.
Outgoing coach Marlon Maro, who was replaced by former Australian team head coach Alen Stajcic, initially expressed a desire to change the team’s name.
But team members felt they should not change the squad’s name, now that they are facing challenges in the Philippines’ bid to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Seeking a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Philippines is in Group B of the 2022 Women’s Asian Cup that will be held in India this January.
The Malditas are with former AFC Women’s Asian Cup champion Australia and Southeast Asian countries Thailand and Indonesia.
Host India will join China, Chinese Taipei, and Iran in Group A.
On the other hand, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Myanmar are in Group C.
The national team will be preparing for the Asian meet when they hold a camp in Irvine, California beginning November 10. Peter Atencio