While some teams have been creating much noise for the upcoming season, one is silently preparing to field a competitive squad once the actual tournament begins next month.
Taguig Football Club or Taguig FC may be a newcomer in the league, among the several that are expected to see action in the Philippine Football League, but from what The Designated Kit Man has heard, management is working hard to assemble a strong and sustainable team that will give the competition some fits and even a good run to the top of the standings.
In a chat with someone who enjoys a front row seat on the dealings of Taguig FC, at least 20 plus players have been signed or have committed to play for the team. These include Philippine Azkals’ mainstay Kevin Ingreso and Arnel Amita, formerly of Kaya FC Iloilo. Several negotiations are still ongoing to fill up the remaining spots in Taguig FC’s roster, which as of now boasts of several veterans, a bevy of newcomers and former members of the Azkals.
The source, likewise, revealed that a Pinoy Football icon is also set to make a comeback by suiting up with the team. The opportunity is also his chance to assess if he can still play competitive football or at least, end his career on his own terms.
Another Azkal, who is dying to play in the domestic league, is also negotiating with the team for a possible spot.
“Kakausapin pa namin within the week,” the source said.
The team official also denied that reports of another Azkal joining the team are not true.
“He is not part of any talks right now,” the source clarified.
The same source, however, revealed that they are just finishing up some documents and requirements before finally revealing more details about Taguig FC, its players, management and its supporters and patrons.
Several teams are also active on social media announcing their recent signings and expressing their gratitude to players who left or set to leave the club to play elsewhere.
Overshadowed, too, in the buildup to the domestic league is the preparation for the March qualifiers against Iraq.
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) remains quiet on the home-and-away games versus Iraq. Just hoping that behind the silence, the PFF is actually cooking something for the crucial games next month.
The Azkals or the Men’s National Football Team will be up against a tough opponent when the qualifiers resume. Despite failing to go deeper in the tournament, Iraq and Indonesia managed to survive the group stage to advance to the last 16.
Iraq lost, 3-2, to Jordan in the knockout stage, while Indonesia’s scintillating run in the tournament ended with a 4-0 defeat to Australia for a seat in the last eight.
But despite the setbacks, the two squads are both match-fit ready and are expected to vent their ire on our team. The Azkals will play three of their remaining four games in hostile crowds, which will be tough to say the least.
The Women’s National Football Team, on the other hand, has remained busy the past few weeks and is set to compete in the Pinatar Cup. It has also conducted several camps overseas to identify potential Filipinas for future competitions. Just hoping that more Philippine-based players can also join the ID and training camps overseas.
Speaking of joining training camps, a source told The Designated Kit Man that several players and parties close to these overseas-based Filipinos have expressed their interests in playing for the national team next month. Some of these players were invited before to play for the country, but for several reasons failed to show up. Nonetheless, this development is something to cheer for, just hoping that they will eventually show up when invited this time around.
Meanwhile, the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific is just around the corner once more and to jumpstart the new season, Riot Games is set to hold the VCT Pacific Kick Off tournament from February 17 to February 25, 2024.
Team Secret will represent the country in the VCT Pacific Kickoff, going up against 10 other teams coming from different countries in the region. The tournament will determine which teams will eventually advance to Masters Madrid which is set to unfold in late March up to early April in Spain. Aside from the title, teams will also have the opportunity to take home thousands of dollars from the tournament that offers a total cash prize of $250,000.
VCT Pacific is one of the four international leagues in the expanded VCT structure that also includes VCT Americas, VCT EMEA and VCT CN.
There are at least three global events for teams to look forward to such as Masters Madrid, Masters Shanghai and Champions. But for teams to qualify to these mega events, they need to hurdle the opposition in the Kickoff, Stage 1 and 2 events. To be able to compete in the Champions tournament, teams will have to get Championship points with consistent performance throughout the whole season.
On a personal note, catch The Designated Kit Man, Chino Trinidad and Cong. Butch Pichay at Larong Pilipino sa DZME this coming Sunday, February 4, 2024, from 2pm-3.30pm. We will have PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial and legendary volleyball coach Roger Gorayeb as guests.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at [email protected] or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat