Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 9) — From having a small audience watching their games to filling up stadiums with thousands of screaming fans, the Philippine women’s football team has come a long way.
The Filipinas became heroines following their historic stint in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was highlighted by a stunning victory over host nation New Zealand.
Sarina Bolden, the striker who scored the first-ever goal for the Philippines in the World Cup, said it is crucial for the national team to feel the support beyond the money for the program to build on its success.
“For me it’s definitely investment, not just financial investment. It’s not just about the finances and monetary. It’s about investing your time into this team. Just showing up your effort and invest in any way that is possible so that we continue to grow and see this team do great things,” she told CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk Wednesday.
Bolden also said the Filipinas have done a lot of positive things to make the country proud, and she hopes it will only get better for the squad.
“We don’t want this a one-time thing that happened in 2023. We’ve done so many great things and we’ve come so far. I hate to see it go to waste,” she said.
The Filipinas’ next tour of duty will be at the 19th Asian Games this September in China.
