Australian national Gary Philips was appointed the head coach of the national women football team on Thursday.

The 57-year-old who had been working in the capacity of technical director at the All Nepal Football Association since October 31, 2019 has got the appointment until December. "He will now assume both responsibilities as the technical director and women's head coach," said ANFA spokesperson Kiran Rai.

He was nominated for the vacant position by the technical committee of the All Nepal Football Association. The position of head coach had been vacant after Hari Khadka resigned following Nepal's defeat against India in the women's football final of the 13th South Asian Games held in December 2019.

The Australian would look after the Nepali team for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup Qualifiers and Women's SAFF Championship. He was nominated for the position on the basis of a clause on his contract as technical director which states that he would take charge of any senior national team if required.

According to ANFA, they would soon start preparation camp for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Championship qualifiers. The initial call-up would be based on the players' performance during the recently concluded Women's Football League.

Phillips, who played semi-professional football as a midfielder during his career, has working experience with different clubs in Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. He also served as the manager of Papua New Guinea's national women's team. He also worked in the coach education department of the Asian Football Confederation.