There will be a lot of football action in the coming weeks as our national teams will compete in various competitions.
The Philippine Football Federation has shown tremendous support, even working during the Holy Week, to the U-22 team set to battle in the football competitions of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia eight days from now.
The women’s team, on the other hand, is coming from an impressive 3-0 performance in the first round of Olympic Qualifiers for the 2024 Paris Olympics and is through to the second round. Momentum is on their side and hoping that it will translate to another podium finish in the biennial event.
The Girls’ Under-17 squad will face Guam on April 22, to open its bid in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers. The young Filipinas will take on Lebanon four days later on April 26. The team, led by PWNFT coach Alen Stajcic, is now in a training camp in Guam.
The PFF has named former Azkas’ icon and captain Rob Gier to handle the squad, which will battle Indonesia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and host Cambodia in Group A for a spot in the medal round.
The team will open its bid against Indonesia on April 29, 5 p.m., Manila time, (PST) at the Morodok Techno National Stadium in Phnom Penh. This will be followed by the game against Myanmar on May 2, 8 p.m., PST, then the Timor Leste matchup two days after at 8 p.m., PST. The squad will wrap up its group stage campaign against the host on May 10, 5 p.m., PST.
The team is busy right now practicing at the Rizal Football Stadium and no matter how the intentions and aspirations are, I just hope that the lads will have enough to compete knowing that their opponents have been practicing several weeks back.
I also wish Gier all the luck to make the breakthrough that the country has been waiting for when it comes to men’s football in the biggest competition in the region. But then again, this is just me hoping and it is not my intention to put undue pressure to Gier.
Initially, 22 players were invited to the training pool to include Andres Rafael Aldeguer, Kamil Jaser Amirul, Oliver Bias, Pocholo Bugas, Daniel Jason Christensen, Dennis Chung, Justine Lawrence Frias, Yrick Gallantes, Patrick Russel Grogg, Quincy Julian Kammeraad, Noah River Leddel, Lance Lawrence Locsin, John Albert Luis Lucero, Dimitrios Makapagkal, David Muens, Harry James Nuñez, Charles Simon Pickering, James Sacopon, Shayden Alexander Sampow, Cyrelle James Saut, Syron Saut and David Kevin Setters.
Except for one, all players are or have been part of the ADT program that was started by Azkals’ Team Manager Dan Palami and management to help the country field a competitive team in the SEA Games.
But changes are forthcoming because several players will be added and some will be cut depending on the choices of Gier as the national coach. The team is expected to leave for Cambodia next week.
I’m just wondering whatever happened to Stephan Schrock, who has been helping the Azkals Development Team (ADT) prepare for the SEA Games. A quick reason probably is his license or lack of it. But whatever the reason, let’s rally behind the team.
Speaking of the ADT, I heard that there is an ongoing issue within the team and praying that it will be resolved soon.
For some good news, my Bedan brother and basketball coach Peter Regalado Lopez is set to launch his book featuring one of the country’s legendary bench tacticians, Jose Layug Lipa aka Joe Lipa. Printing of the book is underway and a proper launch is expected to happen in the next two weeks.
For all basketball players and aspiring coaches, Coach Joe’s Basketball 101 with Regalado is a must have. Not only it is the follow up to Lipa’s initial Brain and Basketball that came out more than three decades ago, the book will also show how much the game has changed, but the basics have remained the same. It comes in two versions—the coaches and the one for the K-12 curriculum of the Department of Education.
Can’t wait to see the final print. But this early, congratulations are in order for Peter and Coach Joe. Excellent job as expected.
Please don’t forget to join us this Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 2-3 p.m. for another episode of 3PTS–Pambansang Tambayan ng Sports aired live over at DZME 1530 khz. Archer Andrea Robles and billiards champ Leslie Gaite will join us in the show. Ditto with Regalado and basketball icon and coach Joe Lipa will discuss his upcoming book via zoom.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_ca[email protected] or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat
