Jitka Klimková has made the decision to stand down as Ford Football Ferns head coach with immediate effect after three years in the role.

Klimková oversaw 39 Ford Football Ferns games, including the historic first ever win for a New Zealand national team at a senior FIFA tournament with the 1-0 victory over former champions Norway at Eden Park in the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

During her time in charge of the Ford Football Ferns, Klimková gave 18 players their senior international debuts and took 10 players to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell said:

“I want to thank Jitka for her time as Ford Football Ferns head coach and the major role she has played in bringing through a new generation of players.

“She will forever be remembered as the coach who led us to our first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup win, a historic, game-changing moment for football in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“We wish her the absolute best in whatever she chooses to do next.”

Jitka Klimková said:

“I would like to thank New Zealand Football for the opportunity to coach the Football Ferns these last three years, it was a great honour representing Aotearoa around the world.

“I very much enjoyed working with the players, the coaches, the support staff, and the many great people in football and high performance sport across New Zealand.

“This experience was a challenge and made me stronger. I believe now is the right time to step away and let another coach carry on.

“I will forever cheer for the Kiwis in sports.”

Klimková will remain working for New Zealand Football for the next six months, supporting the high performance department and national team activity.

Michael Mayne, who led the team in the June FIFA international window and at Paris 2024, will continue as interim Ford Football Ferns head coach while campaign planning for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 continues.

Article added: Friday 13 September 2024