By Mike T. Limpag - Sun Star Cebu
THANKS but no, thanks.
Philippine national men’s football team manager Dan Palami shot down the idea of him replacing Nonong Araneta as the president of the Philippine Football Federation in the November elections.
Palami said football in the Philippines hasn’t reached its full potential yet and running against Araneta would be a divisive exercise.
“I’m sure they have their reasons to prod me to run. They know that I have the best interest of football in mind. They know of my management skills. However, I don’t want this. Football in the Philippines hasn’t fully blossomed and I don’t want a divisive exercise,” said Palami.
Palami, who recently resigned from his position at APT Global Inc. to concentrate on his job as the team manager and four other positions in his real estate companies, manpower company, a school board and as head of marketing of the PFF, said he supports Araneta.
“I’m contented with the support that Nonong Araneta is giving us and this is the time for us to unite behind the PFF,” Palami said.
Araneta, who was also prodded by stakeholders to run in the 2007 elections against Mari Martinez and Ed Formosa, took over the PFF presidency in December last year when the PFF Board of Governors ousted Martinez.
Palami said he will support Araneta if he decides to run for another term in the November elections.
“He (Araneta) will have my support and I hope he continues to support my initiatives as manager of the national team,” said Palami.
Meanwhile, Palami said the national team will try to maximize the Fifa-designated dates for friendlies in 2012, which could mean a busy year for the Azkals.
“Playing friendlies is one way of improving our rank,” Palami said. “It will give the players more time to play together for better cohesion. It will also allow us to evaluate new players.”
Aside from friendlies against national team, Palami said an events management company has offered to bring in European clubs and said they have received offers from second and third division teams in Spain.
“If Liverpool can have a friendly in Malaysia, perhaps the Philippines will be the next stop?” said Palami, who acknowledged bringing in a top tier club like Liverpool would be expensive.
“We are also looking at inviting Fulham, Neil Etheridge’s club, for a friendly,” he said.
Aside from the friendlies, the Azkals will be joining two tournaments next year—the AFC Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup.
The Azkals qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup main draw in Nepal for the first time after winning the qualifiers last March and for the Suzuki Cup, the Azkals won’t have to go through the qualifiers for the first time.
“Before the Challenge Cup, we are planning to hold a training camp in the Gulf area,” he said.
Palami also said the PFF is looking at hosting the Suzuki Cup but the lack of pitches is hampering that move.
“Manila needs a second pitch,” he said.
Showing posts with label Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Azkals looking forward to playing Real Madrid
Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today
FOOTBALL officials are upbeat of the possibility of Real Madrid making an appearance in the Philippines and playing a series of friendlies with the Azkals.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said this yesterday after getting confirmation from Nepal and Singapore that their national teams are ready to play tuneup matches, with the Azkals.
“It would be great if Mr. (Manny) Pangilinan will be able to bring Real Madrid here in the Philippines. It’s going to be a first. Imagine, having one of the biggest football clubs in Europe and in the world coming here,” said Araneta.
Pangilinan earlier confirmed that exploratory talks are now going on with top officials of Real Madrid over the possibility of their basketball and football teams to come the Philippines.
Real Madrid is considered as one of the most successful clubs in Spain, having won 31 Liga title.
The team also owns 18 Spanish “Copa del Rey” Cups, eight Spanish Super Cups, a Copa Eva Duarte and a Copa de la Liga.
They also have a record of nine United Europe Football Association Champions Leagues, two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup crown and three Intercontinental Cups.
The team is bannered by Brazilian ace Cristiano Ronaldo, one of their highest-paid players, who has scored 69 goals out of the 64 appearances he made with the team.
Meanwhile, the Azkals are scheduled to have a friendly encounter with Nepal on Oct. 7, 7 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial football pitch.
Their friendly with Singapore will be on Oct. 11 in Singapore.
All-Nepal Football Association President Ganesh Thapa earlier informed Araneta that their national squad will face the Azkals when they tour the ASEAN region. On the other hand, Singapore FA president Winston Lee confirmed their tuneup with the Azkals with Araneta.
Nepal’s game will be part of the Azkals’ preparation for the South Asian Football Federation Championship, scheduled in December in India.
The Philippine Azkals, and the national under-23 team, are currently in Bacolod to play friendlies with school squads. They are getting ready to see action in the Southeast Asian Games.
President Thapa said that Nepal National team is all set to tour Philippines on Oct. 11, before going to Cambodia to take on Cambodia U-23 on Oct. 28.
FOOTBALL officials are upbeat of the possibility of Real Madrid making an appearance in the Philippines and playing a series of friendlies with the Azkals.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said this yesterday after getting confirmation from Nepal and Singapore that their national teams are ready to play tuneup matches, with the Azkals.
“It would be great if Mr. (Manny) Pangilinan will be able to bring Real Madrid here in the Philippines. It’s going to be a first. Imagine, having one of the biggest football clubs in Europe and in the world coming here,” said Araneta.
Pangilinan earlier confirmed that exploratory talks are now going on with top officials of Real Madrid over the possibility of their basketball and football teams to come the Philippines.
Real Madrid is considered as one of the most successful clubs in Spain, having won 31 Liga title.
The team also owns 18 Spanish “Copa del Rey” Cups, eight Spanish Super Cups, a Copa Eva Duarte and a Copa de la Liga.
They also have a record of nine United Europe Football Association Champions Leagues, two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup crown and three Intercontinental Cups.
The team is bannered by Brazilian ace Cristiano Ronaldo, one of their highest-paid players, who has scored 69 goals out of the 64 appearances he made with the team.
Meanwhile, the Azkals are scheduled to have a friendly encounter with Nepal on Oct. 7, 7 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial football pitch.
Their friendly with Singapore will be on Oct. 11 in Singapore.
All-Nepal Football Association President Ganesh Thapa earlier informed Araneta that their national squad will face the Azkals when they tour the ASEAN region. On the other hand, Singapore FA president Winston Lee confirmed their tuneup with the Azkals with Araneta.
Nepal’s game will be part of the Azkals’ preparation for the South Asian Football Federation Championship, scheduled in December in India.
The Philippine Azkals, and the national under-23 team, are currently in Bacolod to play friendlies with school squads. They are getting ready to see action in the Southeast Asian Games.
President Thapa said that Nepal National team is all set to tour Philippines on Oct. 11, before going to Cambodia to take on Cambodia U-23 on Oct. 28.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Azkals battle Nepalese in friendly here, a first in more than a decade
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA—A Philippine football team expected to be at full-strength faces Nepal in an international friendly on October 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Friday said Nepal has confirmed the date to battle the Azkals.
It will mark the first time in more than a decade that the country is hosting an international friendly match.
Although the Philippines has hosted tournaments like the AFC Challenge Cup and more recently, the World Cup Qualifiers, it has not staged a friendly match at home since the Philippines lost to Estonia, 0-1, in November 1997 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
With Nepal’s confirmation and Singapore also agreeing to host the Azkals on October 7 at the Jelan Basar Stadium, the national team will be in for a tough grind with five matches in 11 days.
The Azkals, currently in Bacolod for a week-long training camp, will play three games in the Long Teng Cup in Kaouhsiung starting September 30.
National team manager Dan Palami is relishing the latest challenge for the Azkals, who lost to Kuwait, 1-3, in the second round of World Cup Qualifying at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last July 28.
“It’s a daunting task, but I’ve always thought that the only way we can improve is by playing more international matches,” said Palami.
“The good thing now is we have a pool of players in the team and only five from the Long Teng Cup team will be called up for the Singapore and Nepal matches.”
Europe-based players Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Manny Ott and Paul Mulders will be available for the friendlies since the dates of the matches fall on the international break.
Dennis Cagara has already indicated his interest in playing for the Azkals in the two matches, Palami said.
“Anytime we have a full squad is always a plus for us because our players are not available all the time,” Araneta said.
The Nepal match, Palami said, will give the Azkals a preview of what to expect in the AFC Challenge Cup next year in Kathmandu.
“It will be a good preview for us to see their playing style and since they are ranked higher than us, it will be a good indicator of how we are from their level,” said Palami.
Palami said the friendly against the Singapore will be a gauge on how both teams have gone since the Azkals held the Lions to a 1-1 draw in their run to the Suzuki Cup semifinals last year.
MANILA—A Philippine football team expected to be at full-strength faces Nepal in an international friendly on October 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta Friday said Nepal has confirmed the date to battle the Azkals.
It will mark the first time in more than a decade that the country is hosting an international friendly match.
Although the Philippines has hosted tournaments like the AFC Challenge Cup and more recently, the World Cup Qualifiers, it has not staged a friendly match at home since the Philippines lost to Estonia, 0-1, in November 1997 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
With Nepal’s confirmation and Singapore also agreeing to host the Azkals on October 7 at the Jelan Basar Stadium, the national team will be in for a tough grind with five matches in 11 days.
The Azkals, currently in Bacolod for a week-long training camp, will play three games in the Long Teng Cup in Kaouhsiung starting September 30.
National team manager Dan Palami is relishing the latest challenge for the Azkals, who lost to Kuwait, 1-3, in the second round of World Cup Qualifying at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last July 28.
“It’s a daunting task, but I’ve always thought that the only way we can improve is by playing more international matches,” said Palami.
“The good thing now is we have a pool of players in the team and only five from the Long Teng Cup team will be called up for the Singapore and Nepal matches.”
Europe-based players Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock, Jerry Lucena, Manny Ott and Paul Mulders will be available for the friendlies since the dates of the matches fall on the international break.
Dennis Cagara has already indicated his interest in playing for the Azkals in the two matches, Palami said.
“Anytime we have a full squad is always a plus for us because our players are not available all the time,” Araneta said.
The Nepal match, Palami said, will give the Azkals a preview of what to expect in the AFC Challenge Cup next year in Kathmandu.
“It will be a good preview for us to see their playing style and since they are ranked higher than us, it will be a good indicator of how we are from their level,” said Palami.
Palami said the friendly against the Singapore will be a gauge on how both teams have gone since the Azkals held the Lions to a 1-1 draw in their run to the Suzuki Cup semifinals last year.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Full-bodied Azkals play S'poreans in friendly
By Olmin Leyba (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine Azkals side that will parade a full complement will play higher-ranked Singapore in a Fifa friendly match next month.
Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta said Singapore (129th in the world) has agreed to meet the Azkals (162nd) on Oct. 7 at the Lions’ turf, giving the Pinoys a chance to test their skills and possibly improve their world ranking.
“Singapore has agreed to do a friendly but instead of having it here, they want it held in Singapore since they have a scheduled Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers third round game on Oct. 11,” Araneta said of Singapore’s positive response to the PFF’s invitation.
“We at the PFF and Azkals coach Michael Weiss are both okay with it so we’ll finalize the arrangement with the Football Association of Singapore,” he added.
The PFF has invited higher-ranked countries like Singapore, Oman, Qatar, and Bangladesh, to play the Azkals anytime from Oct. 6-11, the period designated as “Fifa match calendar days.”
During those dates, clubs all over the world will release players to their respective national teams, allowing the likes of Europe-based Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara to join the Azkals.
“All the players based in Europe will be available, so we’re excited to see the full squad play against a higher ranked team like Singapore,” said Araneta.
Pakistan, ranked 170th, has offered to come over to Manila to tangle with the Azkals on Oct. 9.
“It will be up to Weiss and team management if they would want to play Pakistan after the friendly with Singapore,” Araneta said.
The Azkals are back in training after bowing out of the World Cup Asian preliminaries. They are set to hold camp in Bacolod City this week before competing at the Long Teng Cup in Chinese-Taipei from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.
MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine Azkals side that will parade a full complement will play higher-ranked Singapore in a Fifa friendly match next month.
Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta said Singapore (129th in the world) has agreed to meet the Azkals (162nd) on Oct. 7 at the Lions’ turf, giving the Pinoys a chance to test their skills and possibly improve their world ranking.
“Singapore has agreed to do a friendly but instead of having it here, they want it held in Singapore since they have a scheduled Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers third round game on Oct. 11,” Araneta said of Singapore’s positive response to the PFF’s invitation.
“We at the PFF and Azkals coach Michael Weiss are both okay with it so we’ll finalize the arrangement with the Football Association of Singapore,” he added.
The PFF has invited higher-ranked countries like Singapore, Oman, Qatar, and Bangladesh, to play the Azkals anytime from Oct. 6-11, the period designated as “Fifa match calendar days.”
During those dates, clubs all over the world will release players to their respective national teams, allowing the likes of Europe-based Neil Etheridge, Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, Jerry Lucena and Dennis Cagara to join the Azkals.
“All the players based in Europe will be available, so we’re excited to see the full squad play against a higher ranked team like Singapore,” said Araneta.
Pakistan, ranked 170th, has offered to come over to Manila to tangle with the Azkals on Oct. 9.
“It will be up to Weiss and team management if they would want to play Pakistan after the friendly with Singapore,” Araneta said.
The Azkals are back in training after bowing out of the World Cup Asian preliminaries. They are set to hold camp in Bacolod City this week before competing at the Long Teng Cup in Chinese-Taipei from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Fil-Spanish joins Azkals
Peter Atencio - Manila Standard Today
ANOTHER Fil-Spanish player joined the Philippine Azkals national football team when they resume practice Monday.
National team manager Dan Palami on Sunday confirmed that 22-year-old Carlos Alberto Martínez de Murga Olaivar will be around when the Azkals do their daily workouts at the Alabang Country Club pitch and at the Rizal Memorial football grounds.
The Azkals are preparing for the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan next month.
Olaivar is a right back, who plays for Tercera Racing Club Portuense in Spain. The club plays in the fourth level of the Spanish league system.
His presence here comes at a time when Fil-Spanish striker Angel Guirado takes a rest from his injuries.
He is one of two new faces in the team, the other being Roland Mueller, a Fil-German goalie, who plays for MSV Duisburg in the second division Bundesliga, was recently accepted by the Azkals.
Meanwhile, private funds will be used to renovate the football pitch at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said this after the PFF signed a long-term agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission last Wednesday.
Funds amounting to $500,000 (around P21.7 million) will be used to set up a brand new artificial pitch at the Philsports complex, according to an agreement Araneta signed with PSC chairman Richie Garcia.
Peter Atencio
The money will come from international soccer body FIFA’s Goal 2 Project, which will course the funding through the PFF.
Under the new agreement, funding will be provided for the next 25 years to keep the Philsports turf in top condition, under the management of the PFF.
The facelifting of the 10,000-seat facility will give the PFF’s numerous national teams a chance to practice at any given time.
ANOTHER Fil-Spanish player joined the Philippine Azkals national football team when they resume practice Monday.
National team manager Dan Palami on Sunday confirmed that 22-year-old Carlos Alberto Martínez de Murga Olaivar will be around when the Azkals do their daily workouts at the Alabang Country Club pitch and at the Rizal Memorial football grounds.
The Azkals are preparing for the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan next month.
Olaivar is a right back, who plays for Tercera Racing Club Portuense in Spain. The club plays in the fourth level of the Spanish league system.
His presence here comes at a time when Fil-Spanish striker Angel Guirado takes a rest from his injuries.
He is one of two new faces in the team, the other being Roland Mueller, a Fil-German goalie, who plays for MSV Duisburg in the second division Bundesliga, was recently accepted by the Azkals.
Meanwhile, private funds will be used to renovate the football pitch at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said this after the PFF signed a long-term agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission last Wednesday.
Funds amounting to $500,000 (around P21.7 million) will be used to set up a brand new artificial pitch at the Philsports complex, according to an agreement Araneta signed with PSC chairman Richie Garcia.
Peter Atencio
The money will come from international soccer body FIFA’s Goal 2 Project, which will course the funding through the PFF.
Under the new agreement, funding will be provided for the next 25 years to keep the Philsports turf in top condition, under the management of the PFF.
The facelifting of the 10,000-seat facility will give the PFF’s numerous national teams a chance to practice at any given time.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Southeast Asian Games-bound Azkals plan Japan training
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA—The Phillipines Football Federation (PFF) is eyeing Japan as a possible training location for the national under-23 team that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in December.
This was confirmed by PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who said that the Under-23 Azkals plan to be in Japan for at least a week in October for the final phase of their buildup for the biennial meet.
The senior Azkals actually trained in Japan early this year for their away clash with Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup.
The Philippines has not participated in men’s football in the last two SEA Games stagings, but team officials are hopeful the Filipino booters can finally nail a medal this time.
Several players from the senior squad like goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and midfielders Jason de Jong, Manuel Ott, Yannick Tuason and Simon Greatwich are all eligible for the SEA Games, raising hopes of a strong performance in Jakarta.
Araneta said the Azkals are also holding a week-long training camp in Bacolod in September to prepare for the Long Teng Cup.
Meanwhile, Araneta announced that the minor kinks have been ironed out in the PFF’s memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission in relation to the Fifa Goal Project at the Philsports pitch.
The PFF head honcho said that, on the recommendation of International Football Federation (Fifa), the PFF and PSC have agreed to a 50-50 sharing from the earnings from the use of the artificial turf that will be constructed at the Philsports.
The PFF is leasing the facility for the next 25 years.
The PFF’s share from the revenues, Araneta said, will go to the maintenance of the artificial pitch.
A Fifa representative is scheduled to visit PhilSports in September to determine the requirements for the construction of the artificial pitch.
MANILA—The Phillipines Football Federation (PFF) is eyeing Japan as a possible training location for the national under-23 team that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in December.
This was confirmed by PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who said that the Under-23 Azkals plan to be in Japan for at least a week in October for the final phase of their buildup for the biennial meet.
The senior Azkals actually trained in Japan early this year for their away clash with Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup.
The Philippines has not participated in men’s football in the last two SEA Games stagings, but team officials are hopeful the Filipino booters can finally nail a medal this time.
Several players from the senior squad like goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and midfielders Jason de Jong, Manuel Ott, Yannick Tuason and Simon Greatwich are all eligible for the SEA Games, raising hopes of a strong performance in Jakarta.
Araneta said the Azkals are also holding a week-long training camp in Bacolod in September to prepare for the Long Teng Cup.
Meanwhile, Araneta announced that the minor kinks have been ironed out in the PFF’s memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission in relation to the Fifa Goal Project at the Philsports pitch.
The PFF head honcho said that, on the recommendation of International Football Federation (Fifa), the PFF and PSC have agreed to a 50-50 sharing from the earnings from the use of the artificial turf that will be constructed at the Philsports.
The PFF is leasing the facility for the next 25 years.
The PFF’s share from the revenues, Araneta said, will go to the maintenance of the artificial pitch.
A Fifa representative is scheduled to visit PhilSports in September to determine the requirements for the construction of the artificial pitch.
Vietnam turns down Azkals’ invite for a friendly
By Cedelf P. Tupas - Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA-—Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam has also turned down the invitation of the Philippine Football Federation for a friendly duel with the Azkals on October 9 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he plans to invite Bangladesh—a team the Azkals defeated, 3-nil, in the AFC Challenge Cup last March, but are ranked 16 places higher than the Philippines at 146 in the Fifa rankings.
Araneta said holding a friendly at a Fifa international date like October 9 is the only way to ensure that all players, especially those based in Europe, will be released by their clubs.
Among the Europe-based players in the national team are Stephan Schrock, who plays for Greuther Furth in the German second division; Neil Etheridge, the second-choice keeper of Fulham in the English Premiere League; and Paul Mulders, who plays for ADO Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivise.
“This is still part of our build-up for the Challenge Cup next year,” Araneta said. “We have to prepare our team for that tournament, and one of the ways to do it is by having them play together in international matches.”
Nepal, which will host the Challenge Cup in March next year, had earlier declined the Philippines’ invitation for a friendly in October, citing a festival in the country during that month.
Malaysia also declined, citing the unavailability of its players who are playing in the domestic league, Araneta said.
But the reigning Southeast Asian champions are actually scheduled to play a friendly against 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifier Australia in Sydney on October 7.
Vietnam has a big Asian opponent in October in Japan, which it will face in a friendly in Kobe.
Notwithstanding the spurned offers, Araneta said he would rather focus on the fact that it is now the PFF looking for friendly international matches for the Azkals unlike before when the team barely gets to play warmup matches.
“We want the Azkals to play against a country that is ranked higher than us, so a win will help boost our standings,” Araneta said.
MANILA-—Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam has also turned down the invitation of the Philippine Football Federation for a friendly duel with the Azkals on October 9 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he plans to invite Bangladesh—a team the Azkals defeated, 3-nil, in the AFC Challenge Cup last March, but are ranked 16 places higher than the Philippines at 146 in the Fifa rankings.
Araneta said holding a friendly at a Fifa international date like October 9 is the only way to ensure that all players, especially those based in Europe, will be released by their clubs.
Among the Europe-based players in the national team are Stephan Schrock, who plays for Greuther Furth in the German second division; Neil Etheridge, the second-choice keeper of Fulham in the English Premiere League; and Paul Mulders, who plays for ADO Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivise.
“This is still part of our build-up for the Challenge Cup next year,” Araneta said. “We have to prepare our team for that tournament, and one of the ways to do it is by having them play together in international matches.”
Nepal, which will host the Challenge Cup in March next year, had earlier declined the Philippines’ invitation for a friendly in October, citing a festival in the country during that month.
Malaysia also declined, citing the unavailability of its players who are playing in the domestic league, Araneta said.
But the reigning Southeast Asian champions are actually scheduled to play a friendly against 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifier Australia in Sydney on October 7.
Vietnam has a big Asian opponent in October in Japan, which it will face in a friendly in Kobe.
Notwithstanding the spurned offers, Araneta said he would rather focus on the fact that it is now the PFF looking for friendly international matches for the Azkals unlike before when the team barely gets to play warmup matches.
“We want the Azkals to play against a country that is ranked higher than us, so a win will help boost our standings,” Araneta said.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Malaysia booters face a dilemma
By FRANCIS SANTIAGO - Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — Malaysia may just field in a not-so-strong second unit when it defends its men’s football crown in the Southeast Asian Games three months from now, a development that could boost the Philippines and the rest of the field’s gold medal aspirations in the biennial meet slated in Indonesia.
The Football Association of Malaysia maybe forced to use its Under-23 team ‘B’ in the regional kickfest after its ‘A’ team, known as Harimau Muda, found itself in a middle of the clash of dates for the 2012 London Olympics qualifier and the SEA Games.
The Philippines is looking to land a first ever medal since competing in the event in 1977.
The SEAG football games begin Nov. 7 and the final is on Nov. 22 while Malaysia’s campaign in the Olympic qualifiers starts with an away match against Japan on Sept. 21 followed by two home matches against Syria and Bahrain on Nov. 23 and 27 respectively, according to a report by The Star (Malaysia).
Given this tight schedule, it will be nearly impossible for Malaysia to field its best squad on both competitions.
Malaysia is the hands down favorite in the SEAG on the strength of its title conquest in 2009 at the expense of Vietnam, a win that ended a 20-year title drought.
But the same report said that “assuming they (Malaysia) qualify for the (SEAG) final (on Nov. 22) there is no way they can play the Olympic qualifying match against Syria in Kuala Lumpur the following day (on Nov 23). Under FIFA competition regulations the players must have 48 hours of rest after an international game.”
Malaysia coach Ong Kim Swee, who is presiding over a training camp in Slovakia, said he will ask the Asian Football Confederation to re-schedule the Nov. Olympic qualifying dates to resolve the dilemma.
“I hope we can get a favorable reply, if not we are in trouble,” Kim Swee told The Star.
“Fielding two teams is not the option. The SEA Games is part of the preparations for the Olympic qualifiers. So, it is not going to do any good by having two teams but again if we have no choice we will have to. Personally, I want the best team for the two competitions and if there is no choice, then, it is up to FAM to make a decision – whether to field a second team for the SEA Games,” Kim Swee continued.
Reached for comment, Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta said if ever Malaysia opts to field a second team, it will raise the Filipinos’ chances for medals.
“Malaysia’s first team is really strong. They just lost to Chelsea 0-1 in Chelsea’s Asian Tour last month,” Araneta said.
MANILA, Philippines — Malaysia may just field in a not-so-strong second unit when it defends its men’s football crown in the Southeast Asian Games three months from now, a development that could boost the Philippines and the rest of the field’s gold medal aspirations in the biennial meet slated in Indonesia.
The Football Association of Malaysia maybe forced to use its Under-23 team ‘B’ in the regional kickfest after its ‘A’ team, known as Harimau Muda, found itself in a middle of the clash of dates for the 2012 London Olympics qualifier and the SEA Games.
The Philippines is looking to land a first ever medal since competing in the event in 1977.
The SEAG football games begin Nov. 7 and the final is on Nov. 22 while Malaysia’s campaign in the Olympic qualifiers starts with an away match against Japan on Sept. 21 followed by two home matches against Syria and Bahrain on Nov. 23 and 27 respectively, according to a report by The Star (Malaysia).
Given this tight schedule, it will be nearly impossible for Malaysia to field its best squad on both competitions.
Malaysia is the hands down favorite in the SEAG on the strength of its title conquest in 2009 at the expense of Vietnam, a win that ended a 20-year title drought.
But the same report said that “assuming they (Malaysia) qualify for the (SEAG) final (on Nov. 22) there is no way they can play the Olympic qualifying match against Syria in Kuala Lumpur the following day (on Nov 23). Under FIFA competition regulations the players must have 48 hours of rest after an international game.”
Malaysia coach Ong Kim Swee, who is presiding over a training camp in Slovakia, said he will ask the Asian Football Confederation to re-schedule the Nov. Olympic qualifying dates to resolve the dilemma.
“I hope we can get a favorable reply, if not we are in trouble,” Kim Swee told The Star.
“Fielding two teams is not the option. The SEA Games is part of the preparations for the Olympic qualifiers. So, it is not going to do any good by having two teams but again if we have no choice we will have to. Personally, I want the best team for the two competitions and if there is no choice, then, it is up to FAM to make a decision – whether to field a second team for the SEA Games,” Kim Swee continued.
Reached for comment, Philippine Football Federation chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta said if ever Malaysia opts to field a second team, it will raise the Filipinos’ chances for medals.
“Malaysia’s first team is really strong. They just lost to Chelsea 0-1 in Chelsea’s Asian Tour last month,” Araneta said.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Azkals to stay the course, says Aly
By Joaquin Henson The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine national football team skipper Aly Borromeo said yesterday the Azkals won’t rest on their laurels and vowed to intensify the quest for respectability in Asia, riding on the momentum created by qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals and reaching the second round of the World Cup Asia eliminations for the first time in the country’s history.
Borromeo, 28, said the Azkals won’t reunite until they compete in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta said the team playing in Kaohsiung will be a mix of senior and under-23 players gearing for the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in November. Meanwhile, the Azkals have gone their different ways. Borromeo, for instance, will take a two-week vacation in Australia up to the end of the month before rejoining the Kaya club which is now coached by Juan Cutillas and recently recruited Azkals Jason Sabio and Nate Burkey.
Reflecting on the second leg of the recent Kuwait series, Borromeo said the Azkals never considered playing defensively after taking a 1-0 lead at the half because they were determined to overhaul the 0-3 carryover deficit from the first encounter. There was speculation the Azkals, playing at home, would only try to preserve the 1-0 edge and content themselves with a win regardless of the aggregate tally. Cortal, a major sponsor, promised P1 Million for each goal on condition the Azkals beat Kuwait and P500,000 for each goal if the Azkals lost.
Borromeo said when Kuwait’s Fahed Al Ebrahim was ejected in the 58th minute, the Azkals felt it was time to strike harder. “We were up, 1-0, and they were down to 10 men,” recalled Borromeo. “We went on the attack. Then, they scored on a 35-yard kick, something we never expected. Neil (Etheridge) would’ve stopped a shot like that 98 percent of the time. We thought they would try to come closer to the goal and our defense was ready. But that’s where you saw their edge in experience. The ball went up and took a dip over Neil to enter the goal. We couldn’t believe it at first.”
Kuwait’s equalizer came only three minutes after Al Ebrahim’s ejection on a red card. Still, the Azkals fought on but couldn’t get a break. In the 85th minute, Waheed Jumah delivered the marginal goal on a mad scramble inside the penalty area.
“Rob (Gier) and I covered our men as they entered the strike zone,” said Borromeo. “Unfortunately, the ball struck Rob and was deflected to the flank where Kuwait suddenly got a 3-on-1 advantage, forcing Neil to rush out. They kicked the ball towards the goal with Neil out of position. Rob recovered to kick the ball but it was too late to stop it from going in.”
Borromeo said the biggest lesson the Azkals learned from the Kuwait series was the importance of composure. “We learned it doesn’t pay to rush things,” he said. “Kuwait had all options covered. They knew which flanks to attack and which flanks to defend. They saw we marked their best player No. 17 (Bader Al Mutwa) so to counter it, they used him as decoy to throw us off. We weren’t bothered by the flashy play of No. 7 (Fahad Al Enezi). We see that from a lot of good players like Ronaldo. They don’t mean to make fun of the defense. They just want to distract you, to create a situation where you’re going one way and they’re going the other. We never adjusted on the pitch, we lacked tactics. Rob and I were often left protecting the midfield so Stephan (Shrock) could be more aggressive in offense but our defense never adjusted to cover the gap. They were a superior team so we had to be more prepared than them. Still, we played better than we ever did.”
Facing superior teams will go a long way in raising the Azkals’ level of play. In Kuwait, the local league employs foreign stars who go overseas to extend their earning capacity in the twilight of their careers and homegrown players improve just by playing against them.
Borromeo welcomed the opportunity of locking horns with teams that are ranked higher than the Azkals by FIFA. That’s the reason why the PFF is inviting Nepal, ranked No. 136, to play the Azkals, ranked No. 162, in an exhibition here on Oct. 6. Nepal will host the AFC Challenge Cup finals in March and the Philippines is one of eight contenders.
Another positive development with the Azkals is how they come together to fight as a unit. “Before each match, we meet on our own and figure out what to do,” he said. “Out there on the pitch, we have no contact with our coaching staff so we just rely on each other. Coach (Michael) Weiss is a good motivator and does his job preparing us off the pitch. He keeps everyone in the loop and that’s important because many of our players come and go.”
Borromeo said he’s inspired and encouraged by the surge of interest in football. “I think the local league will get stronger,” he said. “There are foreigners applying to play. TV networks are bidding to air the matches. Football games from abroad used to be shown on TV as fillers now they’re being followed by fans. We don’t want to lose the momentum.”
Borromeo and teammate Anton del Rosario conducted tryouts for Fil-Ams in San Francisco last April. They picked four prospects out of 37 who showed up. Burkey, O. J. Porteria and James Rochlitz were among the survivors. Borromeo said the team is always on the lookout for more talents to beef up the roster. A player in the radar is 14-year-old Matthew Custodio, a prolific Fil-British striker from La Salle Greenhills.
Sports patron and businessman Jack Rodriguez said he’s convinced that the country’s top sports brand today is the Azkals. “It’s phenomenal what the Azkals have done for football in the Philippines,” said Rodriguez. “When I used to play goalkeeper for La Salle in the 1960s, I remember there were more cockroaches, mice and bumble bees in the stands than fans. I never thought I’d live to see the day when the stadium would be packed for football. The Azkals have brought passion back into the game.”
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine national football team skipper Aly Borromeo said yesterday the Azkals won’t rest on their laurels and vowed to intensify the quest for respectability in Asia, riding on the momentum created by qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals and reaching the second round of the World Cup Asia eliminations for the first time in the country’s history.
Borromeo, 28, said the Azkals won’t reunite until they compete in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta said the team playing in Kaohsiung will be a mix of senior and under-23 players gearing for the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in November. Meanwhile, the Azkals have gone their different ways. Borromeo, for instance, will take a two-week vacation in Australia up to the end of the month before rejoining the Kaya club which is now coached by Juan Cutillas and recently recruited Azkals Jason Sabio and Nate Burkey.
Reflecting on the second leg of the recent Kuwait series, Borromeo said the Azkals never considered playing defensively after taking a 1-0 lead at the half because they were determined to overhaul the 0-3 carryover deficit from the first encounter. There was speculation the Azkals, playing at home, would only try to preserve the 1-0 edge and content themselves with a win regardless of the aggregate tally. Cortal, a major sponsor, promised P1 Million for each goal on condition the Azkals beat Kuwait and P500,000 for each goal if the Azkals lost.
Borromeo said when Kuwait’s Fahed Al Ebrahim was ejected in the 58th minute, the Azkals felt it was time to strike harder. “We were up, 1-0, and they were down to 10 men,” recalled Borromeo. “We went on the attack. Then, they scored on a 35-yard kick, something we never expected. Neil (Etheridge) would’ve stopped a shot like that 98 percent of the time. We thought they would try to come closer to the goal and our defense was ready. But that’s where you saw their edge in experience. The ball went up and took a dip over Neil to enter the goal. We couldn’t believe it at first.”
Kuwait’s equalizer came only three minutes after Al Ebrahim’s ejection on a red card. Still, the Azkals fought on but couldn’t get a break. In the 85th minute, Waheed Jumah delivered the marginal goal on a mad scramble inside the penalty area.
“Rob (Gier) and I covered our men as they entered the strike zone,” said Borromeo. “Unfortunately, the ball struck Rob and was deflected to the flank where Kuwait suddenly got a 3-on-1 advantage, forcing Neil to rush out. They kicked the ball towards the goal with Neil out of position. Rob recovered to kick the ball but it was too late to stop it from going in.”
Borromeo said the biggest lesson the Azkals learned from the Kuwait series was the importance of composure. “We learned it doesn’t pay to rush things,” he said. “Kuwait had all options covered. They knew which flanks to attack and which flanks to defend. They saw we marked their best player No. 17 (Bader Al Mutwa) so to counter it, they used him as decoy to throw us off. We weren’t bothered by the flashy play of No. 7 (Fahad Al Enezi). We see that from a lot of good players like Ronaldo. They don’t mean to make fun of the defense. They just want to distract you, to create a situation where you’re going one way and they’re going the other. We never adjusted on the pitch, we lacked tactics. Rob and I were often left protecting the midfield so Stephan (Shrock) could be more aggressive in offense but our defense never adjusted to cover the gap. They were a superior team so we had to be more prepared than them. Still, we played better than we ever did.”
Facing superior teams will go a long way in raising the Azkals’ level of play. In Kuwait, the local league employs foreign stars who go overseas to extend their earning capacity in the twilight of their careers and homegrown players improve just by playing against them.
Borromeo welcomed the opportunity of locking horns with teams that are ranked higher than the Azkals by FIFA. That’s the reason why the PFF is inviting Nepal, ranked No. 136, to play the Azkals, ranked No. 162, in an exhibition here on Oct. 6. Nepal will host the AFC Challenge Cup finals in March and the Philippines is one of eight contenders.
Another positive development with the Azkals is how they come together to fight as a unit. “Before each match, we meet on our own and figure out what to do,” he said. “Out there on the pitch, we have no contact with our coaching staff so we just rely on each other. Coach (Michael) Weiss is a good motivator and does his job preparing us off the pitch. He keeps everyone in the loop and that’s important because many of our players come and go.”
Borromeo said he’s inspired and encouraged by the surge of interest in football. “I think the local league will get stronger,” he said. “There are foreigners applying to play. TV networks are bidding to air the matches. Football games from abroad used to be shown on TV as fillers now they’re being followed by fans. We don’t want to lose the momentum.”
Borromeo and teammate Anton del Rosario conducted tryouts for Fil-Ams in San Francisco last April. They picked four prospects out of 37 who showed up. Burkey, O. J. Porteria and James Rochlitz were among the survivors. Borromeo said the team is always on the lookout for more talents to beef up the roster. A player in the radar is 14-year-old Matthew Custodio, a prolific Fil-British striker from La Salle Greenhills.
Sports patron and businessman Jack Rodriguez said he’s convinced that the country’s top sports brand today is the Azkals. “It’s phenomenal what the Azkals have done for football in the Philippines,” said Rodriguez. “When I used to play goalkeeper for La Salle in the 1960s, I remember there were more cockroaches, mice and bumble bees in the stands than fans. I never thought I’d live to see the day when the stadium would be packed for football. The Azkals have brought passion back into the game.”
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Nepal invited to test Azkals' mettle
By Joaquin Henson The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. said yesterday Nepal, ranked No. 136 by FIFA, has been invited to play the Azkals in an exhibition match here on Oct. 9 and it will be an early preview of what to expect in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals in March.
Nepal is hosting the Challenge Cup finals where seven other countries are playing after a series of qualifiers. The eight teams in the finals are the Philippines, India, Maldives, North Korea, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal.
Araneta said a plan for Manila to host a four-team invitational tournament has been scrapped because of conflicts with FIFA schedules. The Philippines, ranked No. 162 by FIFA, is booked to play in the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup next year. The national under-23 squad, coached by Michael Weiss, will compete in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. The PFF’s contract with Weiss expires in 2013.
Araneta confirmed that the Azkals will participate in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. The tournament is traditionally among host Chinese-Taipei, Macau, Hong Kong and the Philippines. But organizers are planning to expand the cast to six with invitations sent out to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Last year, the Philippines posted a 1-1-1 record in the competition, crushing Macau, 5-0, losing to Hong Kong, 4-2, and tying with Chinese-Taipei, 1-1.
Araneta said he expects Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to fly in for the Kaohsiung tournament. The Azkals will not undergo special training for the Long Teng Cup. However, the under-23 team will set up boot camp in Kuwait or Bahrain or Japan before the SEA Games in Indonesia on Nov. 11-22.
Regarding a training program for the Azkals in Europe, Araneta said he spoke with Sen. Edgardo Angara on the phone three weeks ago about the possibility of arranging a tie-up with a Spanish club. Last year, three officials from Real Madrid were in Manila to explore a working relationship with the PFF through Sen. Angara. It was then agreed that the PFF, still under former president Mari Martinez, would get the ball rolling by formally requesting training assistance from Real Madrid. An eyewitness said the Real Madrid and PFF officials shook hands to indicate a meeting of the minds. The formal letter, however, was never sent. The protocol in such an arrangement involves a triggering letter of request from a national federation and a city-to-city agreement to cement the relationship. Martinez was eventually replaced by Araneta who said he knows nothing about the Real Madrid meeting.
Araneta said he was informed that the Barcelona Football Club is interested to look into the early history of Filipino football star Paulino Alcantara who was born in Iloilo in 1896. Alcantara was the first Filipino ever to play in Europe and made his Barcelona debut at the age of 17. He finished his football career as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 357 goals in 357 matches, a record that remains unmatched and unsurpassed. Alcantara later served as Barcelona club director and Spanish national coach. He died in 1964.
“We were advised that the Spanish consul would like to visit Iloilo sometime next month and find out more about Mr. Alcantara’s beginnings, how he is revered in Iloilo,” said Araneta. “Perhaps, this could be the start of a relationship between Iloilo and Barcelona and between the Azkals and the Barcelona Football Club.”
Sen. Angara recently announced in his twitter account that the Congreso de los Diputados in Spain, headed by Jose Bono Martinez, has issued an institutional declaration affirming close ties between the Philippines and Spain. The Philippines was cited by the Spanish Congress for “unparalleled magnanimity” towards Spanish soldiers during the Siege of Baler in 1898-99. The bond linking both countries is celebrated on Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30 as decreed by the Philippine government.
As for the Azkals incentives, Araneta revealed that each player received $1,000 after the recent Sri Lanka home-and-away series. Before the home game against Kuwait, the PFF gave the Azkals $500 with the promise of a $1,000 bonus for a win and a $4,000 reward for making it into the third round of the World Cup Asia qualifiers.
Cortal, a major Azkals sponsor, also offered incentives for the home match against Kuwait – P1 Million for every goal in a win and P500,000 for every goal in a loss. As it turned out, the Philippines lost a 2-1 heartbreaker. Because of the Azkals’ lone goal in the defeat, Cortal is committed to pay out P500,000. It’s not certain if the players will get a share of the incentive. Araneta said he is not involved in the commercial aspects of marketing the Azkals and wouldn’t know if the players will receive a share or if Cortal has even paid the bonus. He said team manager Dan Palami, who has registered the Azkals trademark, is in charge of the marketing affairs. As of yesterday, a high-profile Azkals player said he had not received a share of the Cortal incentive and didn’t know if the players would be given by Palami.
Araneta said the PFF grossed over P20 Million in ticket sales for the Sri Lanka and Kuwait matches at the Rizal Memorial. “We were told La Salle spends about P900,000 a year to maintain the pitch and we’re grateful to La Salle for transforming it into a world-class field,” he said. “We’re offering to pay half the maintenance costs as we know La Salle spent over P8 Million to rehabilitate the pitch and we’ll be making extensive use of it. We still have a lot to do in sprucing up Rizal, like cleaning up the restrooms in the gallery section. The unmoving clock on the giant scoreboard is an eyesore and we’ve had to rent two electronic scoreboards for the recent matches. We hope the Philippine Sports Commission will consider replacing the giant clock scoreboard with a digital system.”
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. said yesterday Nepal, ranked No. 136 by FIFA, has been invited to play the Azkals in an exhibition match here on Oct. 9 and it will be an early preview of what to expect in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup finals in March.
Nepal is hosting the Challenge Cup finals where seven other countries are playing after a series of qualifiers. The eight teams in the finals are the Philippines, India, Maldives, North Korea, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal.
Araneta said a plan for Manila to host a four-team invitational tournament has been scrapped because of conflicts with FIFA schedules. The Philippines, ranked No. 162 by FIFA, is booked to play in the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup next year. The national under-23 squad, coached by Michael Weiss, will compete in the coming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. The PFF’s contract with Weiss expires in 2013.
Araneta confirmed that the Azkals will participate in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung on Sept. 28-Oct. 6. The tournament is traditionally among host Chinese-Taipei, Macau, Hong Kong and the Philippines. But organizers are planning to expand the cast to six with invitations sent out to Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Last year, the Philippines posted a 1-1-1 record in the competition, crushing Macau, 5-0, losing to Hong Kong, 4-2, and tying with Chinese-Taipei, 1-1.
Araneta said he expects Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge to fly in for the Kaohsiung tournament. The Azkals will not undergo special training for the Long Teng Cup. However, the under-23 team will set up boot camp in Kuwait or Bahrain or Japan before the SEA Games in Indonesia on Nov. 11-22.
Regarding a training program for the Azkals in Europe, Araneta said he spoke with Sen. Edgardo Angara on the phone three weeks ago about the possibility of arranging a tie-up with a Spanish club. Last year, three officials from Real Madrid were in Manila to explore a working relationship with the PFF through Sen. Angara. It was then agreed that the PFF, still under former president Mari Martinez, would get the ball rolling by formally requesting training assistance from Real Madrid. An eyewitness said the Real Madrid and PFF officials shook hands to indicate a meeting of the minds. The formal letter, however, was never sent. The protocol in such an arrangement involves a triggering letter of request from a national federation and a city-to-city agreement to cement the relationship. Martinez was eventually replaced by Araneta who said he knows nothing about the Real Madrid meeting.
Araneta said he was informed that the Barcelona Football Club is interested to look into the early history of Filipino football star Paulino Alcantara who was born in Iloilo in 1896. Alcantara was the first Filipino ever to play in Europe and made his Barcelona debut at the age of 17. He finished his football career as Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 357 goals in 357 matches, a record that remains unmatched and unsurpassed. Alcantara later served as Barcelona club director and Spanish national coach. He died in 1964.
“We were advised that the Spanish consul would like to visit Iloilo sometime next month and find out more about Mr. Alcantara’s beginnings, how he is revered in Iloilo,” said Araneta. “Perhaps, this could be the start of a relationship between Iloilo and Barcelona and between the Azkals and the Barcelona Football Club.”
Sen. Angara recently announced in his twitter account that the Congreso de los Diputados in Spain, headed by Jose Bono Martinez, has issued an institutional declaration affirming close ties between the Philippines and Spain. The Philippines was cited by the Spanish Congress for “unparalleled magnanimity” towards Spanish soldiers during the Siege of Baler in 1898-99. The bond linking both countries is celebrated on Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day every June 30 as decreed by the Philippine government.
As for the Azkals incentives, Araneta revealed that each player received $1,000 after the recent Sri Lanka home-and-away series. Before the home game against Kuwait, the PFF gave the Azkals $500 with the promise of a $1,000 bonus for a win and a $4,000 reward for making it into the third round of the World Cup Asia qualifiers.
Cortal, a major Azkals sponsor, also offered incentives for the home match against Kuwait – P1 Million for every goal in a win and P500,000 for every goal in a loss. As it turned out, the Philippines lost a 2-1 heartbreaker. Because of the Azkals’ lone goal in the defeat, Cortal is committed to pay out P500,000. It’s not certain if the players will get a share of the incentive. Araneta said he is not involved in the commercial aspects of marketing the Azkals and wouldn’t know if the players will receive a share or if Cortal has even paid the bonus. He said team manager Dan Palami, who has registered the Azkals trademark, is in charge of the marketing affairs. As of yesterday, a high-profile Azkals player said he had not received a share of the Cortal incentive and didn’t know if the players would be given by Palami.
Araneta said the PFF grossed over P20 Million in ticket sales for the Sri Lanka and Kuwait matches at the Rizal Memorial. “We were told La Salle spends about P900,000 a year to maintain the pitch and we’re grateful to La Salle for transforming it into a world-class field,” he said. “We’re offering to pay half the maintenance costs as we know La Salle spent over P8 Million to rehabilitate the pitch and we’ll be making extensive use of it. We still have a lot to do in sprucing up Rizal, like cleaning up the restrooms in the gallery section. The unmoving clock on the giant scoreboard is an eyesore and we’ve had to rent two electronic scoreboards for the recent matches. We hope the Philippine Sports Commission will consider replacing the giant clock scoreboard with a digital system.”
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Funding Azkals a yeoman’s job
By Manolo R. Iñigo - Philippine Daily Inquirer
Football, thanks to the Azkals, is fast becoming the country’s obsession, replacing basketball as the Filipinos’ favorite sport.
But in order to preserve football’s emergence as the game best suited for the Filipinos and, at the same time, sustain the newfound popularity of the Azkals, the sport needs the continuous support of both the government and the private sector.
It’s truly a yeoman’s job in seeing the program through.
“TV, print and radio must continue to support football so that the interest will always be there,” said former soccer great Vic Sison, the goalie of the Philippine team that beat powerhouse Japan, 1-0, in Tokyo during the 1954 Asian Games.
On the other hand, the incumbent president of the Philippine Football Federation Mariano “Nonong” Araneta expressed a rosy future for the sport. He said that his group is talking with the Philippine Sports Commission to see how the PFF can oversee the maintenance of the Rizal Memorial pitch.
The 56-year-old Araneta has estimated the cost of maintenance could reach P900,000 a year.
But the PSC’s allocation from Congress is not enough to spur a nationwide sports development program, including the promotion of football, which entails an enormous budget needed for the upkeep of foreign-raised booters and a coach from Germany, Hans Michael Weiss.
As a result of this dilemma, the PFF is now depending on the private sector for the crucial backup support.
Renowned sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, benefactor of the Smart Gilas national basketball team, leads the cash-rich private individuals and firms who are the chief backers of the football team.
In time, the Philippines will rise again and would no longer be the “Sick Man of Asia” in football.
* * *
In the old days, before we became a consumer-oriented community society, children created their own tools, especially for sports. Footballs or soccer balls were made from old rags, with their cover filled with hair gathered from the barber or hairdressers shop. Because these balls totally lacked bounce, naturally ground football was all that was possible.
In poor African and Asian countries, football shoes were out of the question. As these were not available, soccer players wrapped their feet with rags to prevent injuries.
On the other hand, players from highly developed countries are luckier because they can afford to buy such luxuries like football shoes, playing uniforms and appropriate equipment.
It is also worth mentioning here, that the price of one pair of branded football shoes made in the United States or Europe is more than the monthly salary of a worker in Africa or the other least developed countries.
Football, thanks to the Azkals, is fast becoming the country’s obsession, replacing basketball as the Filipinos’ favorite sport.
But in order to preserve football’s emergence as the game best suited for the Filipinos and, at the same time, sustain the newfound popularity of the Azkals, the sport needs the continuous support of both the government and the private sector.
It’s truly a yeoman’s job in seeing the program through.
“TV, print and radio must continue to support football so that the interest will always be there,” said former soccer great Vic Sison, the goalie of the Philippine team that beat powerhouse Japan, 1-0, in Tokyo during the 1954 Asian Games.
On the other hand, the incumbent president of the Philippine Football Federation Mariano “Nonong” Araneta expressed a rosy future for the sport. He said that his group is talking with the Philippine Sports Commission to see how the PFF can oversee the maintenance of the Rizal Memorial pitch.
The 56-year-old Araneta has estimated the cost of maintenance could reach P900,000 a year.
But the PSC’s allocation from Congress is not enough to spur a nationwide sports development program, including the promotion of football, which entails an enormous budget needed for the upkeep of foreign-raised booters and a coach from Germany, Hans Michael Weiss.
As a result of this dilemma, the PFF is now depending on the private sector for the crucial backup support.
Renowned sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, benefactor of the Smart Gilas national basketball team, leads the cash-rich private individuals and firms who are the chief backers of the football team.
In time, the Philippines will rise again and would no longer be the “Sick Man of Asia” in football.
* * *
In the old days, before we became a consumer-oriented community society, children created their own tools, especially for sports. Footballs or soccer balls were made from old rags, with their cover filled with hair gathered from the barber or hairdressers shop. Because these balls totally lacked bounce, naturally ground football was all that was possible.
In poor African and Asian countries, football shoes were out of the question. As these were not available, soccer players wrapped their feet with rags to prevent injuries.
On the other hand, players from highly developed countries are luckier because they can afford to buy such luxuries like football shoes, playing uniforms and appropriate equipment.
It is also worth mentioning here, that the price of one pair of branded football shoes made in the United States or Europe is more than the monthly salary of a worker in Africa or the other least developed countries.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Rain or shine, Azkals-Sri Lanka match in Manila to push through
Reuben Terrado/JVP/HS, GMA News
The second leg of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka on July 3 will be played as scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila regardless of weather conditions.
This as Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials expressed optimism that the heavy downpour brought by tropical storm "Falcon" the past few days won't affect the field conditions at RMSC.
PFF officials and the media inspected the RMSC Thursday afternoon despite heavy rains brought about by Falcon.
"There is no water and no flood in the field. Rain or shine, the match will be played," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. “But of course, let us pray for good weather on July 3."
Cathy Rivilla, general coordinator for the home match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, agreed.
"Only the referees can stop the match but based on my experience, there is no indication that the match will be postponed because there is no puddle of water in the field. But we are constantly monitoring the field," said Rivilla, an experienced football official in international competitions.
Rivilla added the match will only be postponed once the field is unplayable after a one-hour waiting period. The game will then be rescheduled the following day.
Rivilla also said that the lights at RMSC will be ready if the game reaches extra time and a penalty shootout.
"We have tested the lights. We thought that we would replace them but after minor repairs, we have determined that the lights are ready," Rivilla said.
The PFF said that the streets of M. Adriatico and Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) will be closed and will be used as a parking lot on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Manila Zoo and Harrison Plaza parking lots will also be used.
The PFF said that they will open the RMSC gates at 11 a.m.
The second leg of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka on July 3 will be played as scheduled at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila regardless of weather conditions.
This as Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials expressed optimism that the heavy downpour brought by tropical storm "Falcon" the past few days won't affect the field conditions at RMSC.
PFF officials and the media inspected the RMSC Thursday afternoon despite heavy rains brought about by Falcon.
"There is no water and no flood in the field. Rain or shine, the match will be played," said PFF president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta. “But of course, let us pray for good weather on July 3."
Cathy Rivilla, general coordinator for the home match between the Philippines and Sri Lanka, agreed.
"Only the referees can stop the match but based on my experience, there is no indication that the match will be postponed because there is no puddle of water in the field. But we are constantly monitoring the field," said Rivilla, an experienced football official in international competitions.
Rivilla added the match will only be postponed once the field is unplayable after a one-hour waiting period. The game will then be rescheduled the following day.
Rivilla also said that the lights at RMSC will be ready if the game reaches extra time and a penalty shootout.
"We have tested the lights. We thought that we would replace them but after minor repairs, we have determined that the lights are ready," Rivilla said.
The PFF said that the streets of M. Adriatico and Pablo Ocampo (formerly Vito Cruz) will be closed and will be used as a parking lot on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Manila Zoo and Harrison Plaza parking lots will also be used.
The PFF said that they will open the RMSC gates at 11 a.m.
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