Western United is proud to confirm that Mark Torgaso has agreed to be the next head coach of the Philippines Women’s National Team.
Targasso will bring Andrew Durante with him as an assistant coach, both in their respective roles at Western United.
After the Philippines’ stunning debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup – with Western United stars Angie Beard and Jaclyn Sawicki starring – Torcaso hopes to continue the country’s growing reputation in women’s football.
Torgaso has been one of the leading managers in Victorian women’s football since taking over Calder United’s starting side in 2016.
After winning a remarkable 11 trophies at Calder, Torgaso joined Western United and led the team to the Liberty A-League Women’s Grand Final, winning the Coach of the Year award.
Durante is an A-League legend who played over 350 matches in the competition and won a championship with the Newcastle Jets. In that 2008 Grand Final, Durante won the Joe Marston Medal for Man of the Match.
A 27-time New Zealand international, Durante has become a coach and mentor after his playing career. Currently working as Western United’s Under-23 Assistant Coach, Player Welfare and Development Manager, across the entire football department.
Torgaso said it was impossible to pass up the chance to manage on the international stage, admitting his anticipation to begin.
„It’s truly an honor to take this position with the Philippines. It’s a dream come true to have an international coaching opportunity,” he said.
“We couldn’t pass this opportunity up and we are incredibly grateful for the support of everyone at Western United in making this work.
„The Philippine team has been a great soccer story over the past year and it’s exciting to work with this team. I can’t wait to get started and bring more success to this nation.
Durante added:
„I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started. Thanks to Jackie and Angie, I followed the Philippines’ journey to the World Cup and was very impressed with the team.
“Everyone at the club has shown us incredible support and we are both very excited to bring our commitment to both of our roles.
„This is a big step in my coaching journey to coach a national team and I can’t wait to learn, improve and gain every new experience.”
Western United Football General Manager Mal Impiombado hailed it as a monumental moment for the club to have Torgaso and Durante on the world stage.
„We are proud as a football club to have this opportunity given to Mark and Andrew on the back of their hard work and excellence in their positions,” he said.
“Mark showed his skills as a coach with us last season, taking the girls to the Grand Final in the inaugural season and he deserves this opportunity.
“Andrew’s fantastic A-League career as a player and his personal values make him a very valuable asset to any coaching staff and he has made a unique impact on our club since his return.
„We are excited to allow them both to take advantage of this opportunity while remaining committed to Western United, and we look forward to watching their progress with the Philippines in the future.”
The appointment is another indication of the A-League’s growing reputation. With so many young players heading overseas in the past 12 months, Torcaso and Durante’s export of coaches reflects the heights the A-Leagues continue to reach and aspire to.
Torcaso and Durante will enter camp next week to familiarize themselves with the team ahead of the first round of matches in September and the qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games in October.
It will see Targasso go toe-to-toe with Tony Gustavsson and the Matildas in Perth, giving him and Durante a special moment in their lives.