By Adrian Stewart Co

Philippine women’s national football team members Quinley Quezada and Sarina Bolden are set to strut their wares in Japan with the WE (Women Empowerment) League later this year.

Quezada and Bolden were nominated by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) as the country’s ASEAN player to the Japan’s first-ever women’s professional football league.

Bolden is set to play for the Chifure AS Elfen Saitama squad while Quezada will suit up for JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies team when the WE League kicks off in September.

“When I found out I felt overjoyed!” said Quezada. “I can’t thank the people who’ve helped and supported me throughout this process enough. I’m immensely grateful, excited for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started!”

“I am so thankful and blessed to still be able to play the game, especially, after a challenging past year that was filled with a lot of uncertainty,” added Bolden. “I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be a part of the WE League’s historic first season this year”

PFF President Mariano Araneta, for his part, also welcomed the signing of Bolden and Quezada to the WE League clubs.

“We thank the Japan Football Association for extending the invitation to our Filipino players to play in the WE League,” said Araneta. “We wish both Quinley and Sarina the best of luck in representing the country in the league.”

“Quinley and Sarina may be the first but certainly not the last Filipina players who will play in the Japan WE League. It will inspire other women football players in the country to continue developing their skills for a chance to play in the international stage,” added PFF general secretary Atty. Ed Gastanes.

Bolden and Quezada last saw football action for the national women’s football team during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in Manila./ASC,WDJ