RETIRED national player Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong will try his hand in coaching this January.
The high school squad of La Salle-Zobel has welcomed him aboard as one of its assistant coaches in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ junior football tournament.
“The team is OK. The players will do their best,” said Caligdong on the team, which will try to improve on their third-place ranking last season.
After retiring from the Philippine Azkals last year, Caligdong was able to obtain a “C” coaching license.
Since then, he has been helping out with the Green Archers’ youth team.
This year, the Philippine Football Federation has tapped him to be an assistant coach for the Philippine national youth teams. He will also be around when they see action abroad.
Caligdong talked about his plans during Saturday’s weekly football program on DZSR Sports Radio.
He said he had three reasons for quitting.
First, the 32-year-old Caligdong said he wanted to give way to a younger generation of players, who are eager to serve and play for the national team.
Second, the level of competition abroad is quite demanding, and Caligdong said he can play for only 45 minutes per game. Others, who are capable of playing for more than 90 minutes deserve to be part of the national squad more than him, he said.
Third, Caligdong admitted that injuries are catching up with him, especially now when he has been playing with the Green Archers United in the UFL. He felt that he may not be able to meet the demands of the game at a certain level.
“Nandoon pa rin ako. Pero, naabot ko na ang peak ko. Kaya ko pa, pero ang laro ngayon, mabilis. Kaya ko ang isang half. Pero kung may nakakatapos ng 90 minutes, ibibigay ko na ‘yung slot ko sa iba,” added Caligdong.
Caligdong said he and his veteran teammates Phil and James Younghusband, Rob Gier, Ian Araneta, Aly Borromeo, and Roel Gener have been playing together for a long time. But, they believe they won’t play for the Azkals forever.
“Hindi namin inisip na kami na lang palagi ang mga best players ng bansa sa football. ‘Pag inisip namin ito, hindi na tayo magpo-progress. So, if it’s about giving the younger ones exposure, maganda iyun,” added Caligdong.
