During the buildup to the 2025 IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag Football Championships, IFAF has posed three questions to the head coaches of the men’s and women’s teams about to compete for continental glory.
Philippines women’s team coaches Keya Zarei and Melinda “Mimi” Nguyen have almost three decades of flag football experience. They both started playing flag football as kids and continued throughout college, eventually leading their respective university club flag football teams to multiple championships as both players and coaches.
Coach Nguyen is entering her fourth year as the Women’s Flag Football Head Coach at Kansas Wesleyan University in America. Her overall record of 49 wins to 17 losses has helped established KWU as one of the top women’s flag football team within the NAIA, led by Japanese quarterback phenom Chihiro Iwata.
Coach Nguyen also helped lead the USA U15 Girls National Team to a Silver Medal in the 2025 USA Football Junior International Cup as an assistant coach.
Coach Keya was the Australian Men’s Defensive Coordinator during the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Finland.
Coach Keya is currently the Victoria State Men’s Defensive Coordinator and helped VIC secure 3rd place in the 2025 Australian Flag Football National Championships. He was also the defensive coordinator for the Australian U15 Boys National Team which competed in the 2025 USA Football Junior International Cup. Most recently, he helped lead the Australian Dingos United to a silver medal as the Head Coach for Camp Beezy Volume 4 International Flag Football Tournament hosted by Indianapolis Colts NFL Safety Cam Bynum in Manila.
Coach Keya and Coach Nguyen grew up in the same neighborhood in Montgomery County, Maryland, and have been lifelong friends ever since. This will be their first time coaching together, and they couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to lead the Philippines Women’s National Flag Football Team.
What are the goals for your team this tournament?
It’s easy to say that our team goal is to win it all, however the ultimate goal is to punch our ticket to the 2026 Flag Football World Championships in Germany. Whether that be via securing first place in Asia, or advancing as the runner up against Oceania, having multiple pathways allows us to stay focused all the way through the end of the tournament.
What will be the strengths of your team, and which players should we watch out for?
You can count on our communication and effort to be on full display in Ningbo. Defensively, we will be flying around firing on all cylinders. Offensively, we will be laser focused on precision and execution.
Offensive Player Highlight - Nina Juan #1:
A mainstay in Manila, Nina is one of 4 returning players from the 2023 National Team. Her athleticism is undeniable as you’ll find her running, catching, snapping, and even throwing all over the field. Hopefully she’s on your fantasy team!
Defensive Player Highlight - Niña Antiola #24:
Hailing from Cebu, don’t be surprised if this certified ball hawk leads the tournament in interceptions. Elite vision and IQ aids her ability to cover sideline to sideline. QBs beware!
What do you think of the group you have been drawn into?
The average fan might see the big names in Group A and automatically assume Group B is the weaker pool. I wouldn’t be so quick to write us off, as we have four returning countries from 2023 who have all improved immensely, which includes a top four finisher in Malaysia. Newcomers Jordan will be a strong wildcard who look to make their case in Asia as a top tier team out the gate. I expect Group B to be just as competitive, if not more competitive, than Group A.
