History has been rewritten — not on the pitches of Gothenburg, Oslo, or Hjørring this time — but across the islands of the Philippines.
In a landmark moment for Indian football, Minerva Academy FC’s coaching masterminds, Mr. Pradhyum Reddy and Mr. Surinder Singh, have guided the Philippines U17 Women’s National Team to qualification for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup, achieving one of the greatest milestones for Indian coaching on the global stage.
Under the tactical brilliance of Indian coaches Pradhyum Reddy and Surinder Singh, the Philippines stormed through the qualification campaign with dominant performances — 5–0 vs Syria, 2–0 vs Tajikistan, and 4–0 vs Malaysia — remaining undefeated and securing their place among Asia’s elite.
This marks the first-ever time that an international national team has been guided to continental qualification by Indian coaches — a revolutionary feat that shines a global spotlight on India’s football education system.
The collaboration began when Jose Luis “Selu” Lozano, manager of the Philippines U17 Women’s National Team and head of Makati Football Club, identified Minerva Academy’s football model — rooted in discipline, tactical intelligence, and holistic youth development — as the perfect formula to elevate his national side.
On the recommendation of Mr. Ranjit Bajaj, Founder and Director of Minerva Academy, Lozano appointed Surinder Singh (Technical Director, Minerva Academy) and Pradhyum Reddy, both AFC Pro-Licensed coaches with extensive experience in developing India’s finest youth talents. Their leadership transformed the Philippines into a powerhouse of organized, high-intensity football — the hallmark of Minerva’s globally admired system.
What makes this qualification truly historic is that it was achieved using the Minerva Academy methodology — a system developed in India, proven in Europe, and now triumphant in Southeast Asia.
Under their guidance, the Philippines team showcased:
- Compact defensive organization
- High-pressing, attacking football
- Tactical flexibility and in-game intelligence
- Mental toughness and unity — the “Warrior DNA” of Minerva
The results were more than wins; they were statements that Indian football knowledge and methodology are now exportable and world-class.
This achievement adds to the ever-growing global footprint of Minerva Academy, India’s most successful youth football institution.
From being the first North Indian club to win the I-League (2017–18) to becoming the first team in world football history to win the Gothia Cup (Sweden), Dana Cup (Denmark), and Norway Cup (Norway) in the same year, Minerva’s influence continues to expand across continents.
Now, through coaching excellence, Minerva has achieved another first — guiding a foreign national team to AFC qualification, redefining what Indian football can achieve internationally.
This milestone sends a powerful message to the global footballing community: Indian coaches can lead, innovate, and succeed on the biggest stages.
The qualification of the Philippines U17 Women’s team under Indian leadership is not just a coaching triumph — it’s a symbol of respect and recognition for Indian football’s evolving expertise. It proves that the technical education and discipline refined at Minerva Academy, Chandigarh, can inspire success stories far beyond India’s borders.
As the Philippines U17 Women’s National Team prepares for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2025, the heartbeat of Minerva Academy echoes across Asia.
From India’s training fields to the stadiums of Manila, one football philosophy now unites continents — discipline, development, and destiny.
Indian coaching has arrived — and it has arrived with authority.