The Thai women's national football team, known as "Chaba Kaew," returned to Thailand on February 28, 2025, from their participation at the Pink Ladies Cup 2025 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Under the management of coach Futoshi Ikeda, the team faced three challenging matches, suffering losses to Russia and South Korea and earning a draw against Uzbekistan.
Upon their return to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Coach Ikeda elaborated on the team's objectives and the value of international exposure. "I want to use the FIFA Day opportunities to develop players and gain experience from international tournaments, and we also plan to have training camps domestically to develop players’ potential," he stated. The emphasis on nurturing talent stems from his vision to uplift the team's performance on global platforms.
During the Pink Ladies Cup, the team's performance included losses of 1-3 to Russia and 0-4 to South Korea. Their only positive result was a 0-0 draw against Uzbekistan. These outcomes provide valuable learning experiences as they look to improve for upcoming competitions.
Looking forward, Ikeda emphasized the importance of maintaining player fitness and form. "During the FIFA Day camp in April, I plan to call more diverse players, including mixed-race and youth players with good performance, but must discuss with the Association and staff first," he mentioned, showcasing his commitment to broadening the talent pool.
Ikeda also highlighted the necessity of evaluating players' performances regularly, stating, "After this, our players will have to return to play in the Thai Women's League with their respective clubs this weekend. My staff and I plan to travel to watch the games live at the stadium," ensuring he stays connected with players' development at the club level.
The Thai women's national team will regroup for training once again during the FIFA Day next month, aiming to prepare for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled from June 23 to July 5, 2025. This also includes their participation as hosts for the SEA Games 2025 from December 7 to 19, 2025.
Ikeda's strategies and actions reflect his dedication to elevATING Thai women's football on both domestic and international stages, following the team's recent experiences and eyes set on future success. The combining of experienced players with new talent during training camps is viewed as central to this mission.