Filipinas team manager Jeff Cheng steps down from role

Philippine national women's team Filipinas manager Jeff Cheng has stepped down from his role.

In a statement shared to the media by the team, Cheng said that he informed the Philippine Football Federation Director of National Teams Freddy Gonzalez of his decision last Thursday.

"For several months, we tried our best to make things work, under new and very different circumstances," Cheng said. "Unfortunately, the situation is not workable."

"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."

Cheng then thanked those who have helped the team.

"I want to thank all of you for the support and kindness that you have shown me. It is through you that our efforts have not gone unnoticed and I am grateful to have shared some of the best football experiences with all of you."

PFF, meanwhile, thanked Cheng for his service.

"For this and Mr. Cheng's other efforts to promote the beautiful game and uphold the welfare of Filipino football stakeholders in the country, the PFF is grateful," the football body said in its statement.

"Rest assured that the PFF will build on the momentum that the past administration has established."

PFF Director of National Teams Freddy Gonzalez, on the other hand, said it will build on the efforts made by Cheng.

"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. It's a big loss, but I must respect his decision and move forward," Gonzalez said in a statement.

"As Director of National Teams, the challenge of filling the void created by this departure falls under my responsibility. 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."

Cheng has been the manager of the women's team since 2017.

In his term, the Filipinas achieved historic feats such as winning their first AFF Women's Championship title in 2022, and making their debut in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023 which also saw the team's first World Cup win against host New Zealand, thanks to a lone goal from Sarina Bolden.

Cheng previously said he was committed to support the team until the second round of the Olympic Qualifiers, in which the Filipinas fell short of advancing to the next round.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News