By Olmin Leyba - (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - Azkals coach Michael Weiss expressed guarded optimism of Phl XI’s chances in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei, noting how far from being one cohesive unit his combo of seniors and under-23 players is right now.
“We’re still lacking in some areas but the team is making good progress,” said Weiss prior to leaving for Kaohsiung for the Sept. 30-Oct.4 competition among defending champion Hong Kong, the Philippines, Macau, and host Taiwanese.
“Our preparation lacked consistency. But the positive thing is there are new players moving up and ready to take responsibility,” he added.
Weiss has assembled a team of 10 Azkals stalwarts and 10 members of the Southeast Asian Games U-23 pool to try improve the Philippines’ third place finish last year.
Aly Borromeo, Chieffy Caligdong, Phil and James Younghusband, Roel Gener, Angel Guirado, Misagh Bahadoran, Ian Araneta, Jason de Jong and Eduard Sacapano will provide the experience to the Phl side.
New recruits are Fil-Spanish Carli De Murga, Fil-British siblings Mark and Matthew Hartmann, Fil-Germans Roland Muller and Oliver Poetschke, and U-23 players Lemuel Unabia, Reymark Fernandez, Jeff Christiaens and Nickson Leonora, who will fill in for Europe-based Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock and Paul Mulders.
“It will take some time to fulfill the potential of the team,” Weiss said.
The Azkals arrived in Kaohshiung yesterday and will kick off their campaign against Hong Kong on Sept. 30.
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