Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Palami eyes four-nation Cup for Azkals

By Cheska D. Geli - Sun Star Cebu

DAN Palami is planning a series of friendly matches for the Philippine national team for its buildup for the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup.

“One of the many key elements for the team is to play as many international friendly matches as possible,” Palami told Sun.Star Cebu.

The country is looking at hosting the Formations Cup this November where they have invited Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

It will be the senior team who will be seeing action as the under-23 squad will be playing in the Southeast Asian Games during that month.

Aside from that, Palami has already gotten in touch with other international football associations, with the help of the Philippine Football Federation, for some home and away friendly matches.

“It will still depend upon the schedule of the international calendar and the availability of players,” said Palami.

Fifa sets aside certain dates in a year for international matches and clubs are required to release their players to play for their national teams.

Palami said there are some countries who have confirmed interest to play with the national squad, like those from the Middle East—where the team had their training camp—and from Southeast Asia.

Aside from scheduling friendlies, Palami said he will leave for a scouting trip in Europe to look for potential members of the senior and U23 squad, while the rest of the players are now back with their clubs.

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