Despite the loss against Iraq before a big crowd at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, there are several things to look forward to in June as the team formerly known as the Azkals will take on powerhouse Vietnam and Indonesia on the road. Head Coach Tom Saintfiet said that several high profile players have given their commitment to play for the national team in June. Saintfiet mentioned several names to include Joseph Baccay, the Markanich Brothers, Raphael Obermair, Alex Monis, Dylan Demuynck, Johannes Selven, Zico Bailey, Adrian Ugelvik, Bjorn Kristensen and more. He said that talks with these players are very promising with 90% of them responding favorably to his invitation to play for the team.
“The passports are issued. So within two months, I expect that I will have several more options, “ Saintfiet said after the 5-0 loss against Iraq.
Another highlight of the game against the Lions of Mesopotamia was the good performances of Santino Rublico and several other young players on the squad. The Designated Kit Man is hopeful that the core of the team will eventually be built around these players and that they will be permanent fixtures in future lineups and training camps.
The Belgian coach is also eyeing to have a camp for the national team before the June qualifiers.
Speaking of the domestic league, hostilities in the Philippines Football League (PFL) will start tomorrow with a triple header at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The newly-revamped Stallion Laguna FC of Ernie Nierras will open the competitions by facing newcomers Don Bosco Garelli at 3pm. Stallion went on a recruiting binge in the offseason and from what I heard from Coach Ernie recently, the team now have at least 15 foreign reinforcements.
Comebacking United City FC will take on tournament favorites Kaya FC-Iloilo in the second game at 5.30 p.m., while One Taguig Football Club faces fellow new team Manila Montet FC in the nightcap at 8 p.m.
PFL Commissioner Coco Torre said the matchups tomorrow “looks good”.
After weeks of staying silent, One Taguig Football Club or One Taguig FC is now finally active on social media. It now has its official page in several social media accounts and one of its official posts is an explanation of its logo or crest. While it may appear very simple, the One Taguig FC crest has several interesting and historical facts about it.
First, the leaves found in the crest represent the 38 barangays of the city. They likewise symbolize growth of the city, not only on the business side, but as well on the agriculture side. Second, the lighthouse in the center is a reminder of the Napindan Lighthouse where Katipuneros used to meet during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Moreover, the lighthouse is both a symbol of the old (history) and the current (modernity) Taguig City. Third, the squad hopes to be the best possible ambassadors of the city.
“We want to have a good representation of the city in our first tournament. The other teams will definitely be a challenge but the ultimate goal is to win the trophy,” Ace Bright, One Taguig FC general manager, said.
In a short huddle with Bright last Wednesday, he shared his optimism with The Designated Kit Man that his team will perform well in the tournament despite being one of the newcomers in the Philippines Football League.
Bright also revealed the team’s official lineup with a number of its players either current or former members of the Philippine National Men’s Football Team or the team formerly known as the Azkals. One Taguig FC will be led by Team Captain and Azkal Kevin Ingreso, with the ageless Stephan Schrock as Co-Captain. Former Azkals’ captain and international Misagh Bahadoran will also make his comeback in the domestic league playing for the squad. Also joining one of the newest football clubs in the country are Andres Aldeguer, Nano Amita, Artin Mahvashi, Dennis Chung, Ed Sacapano, George Baker, Ilemona Usman, Izzeldin Elhabib, Jahanbaksh Taher, Joshua Dutosme, Jordan Jarvis, Lance Bencio, Mahmoud Ali, Matthew Custodio, Milad Behgandom, Naoto Hirashi, Nicolas Ferrer, Patrick Aristorenas, Patrick Grogg, Quincy Kammeraad, Tsukasa Shimomura, Yannick Tuason, Trick Gallantes and Mohammad Almonhjili.
“We have been training for the last two months and hopes are high. We have a good mixture of young and veteran players. Most of these veteran players had been fixtures of the Philippine Azkals like Kevin, Schroecky and Misagh. Some of our foreign recruits also played in different leagues overseas. We are also happy that several Japanese players are also in the squad to provide more quality and depth to our team,” Bright shared.
Jovanie Villagracia is the head coach with Sacapano also as the team’s goalkeeper coach. Assisting Villagracia will be Arvin Soliman, while Antonio De Murga is the conditioning coach.
While it’s too early to gauge the strength of the team, Bright is quite confident that they have a good team on hand.
“I think we have a decent team, most of our young players came from the Azkals’ Development Team before. We also have recruits who played well from other teams. They have earned their spots in the team through hard work and their passion for the game. If these players can play well along with the senior members of the team, I really believe that we could compete with the tournament favorites and the rest of the competition,” Bright said.
Aside from the local tournament, One Taguig FC is setting its sights on reaching the AFC Cup and the AFC Champions League.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
“Of course, it will not be easy, but then again, that will be our ultimate goal this year,” Bright added.
Bright said that the support of the local government of Taguig City is very crucial to the success and sustainability of the team. Equally important too will be the support of the people of Taguig City. He is hopeful that the whole of Taguig will accept and embrace the team as their own. He also had one request for the fans who stayed with the team despite so many speculations, criticisms, bashings and even allegations that it will not be ready in time of the opening of the league.
“Huwag po kayo maniwala sa mga tsismis,” he added.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
