The Philippine Men’s National Football Team will fly to Dubai for a four-day training camp in the United Arab Emirates next weekend. From the initial announcement made by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the national team, formerly known as the Azkals, will train in Dubai from March 16-20, 2024.
The same announcement mentioned that the final squad will be revealed before the team leaves for the Middle East.
A press conference is set on the 20th with new Coach Tom Saintfiet and team captain and goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. The team will then leave for Basra to face Iraq on March 22.
After the away game in Iraq, the team will return to the country for its home game against the same opponents on March 26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Another presser is set with Saintfiet, plus another player on the 25th.
A source told The Designated Kit Man that Saintfiet is scouting and probably convincing foreign based Filipino players to suit for the sun and three stars soon. He will meet the rest of the team (for those who are not flying out of Manila) in Dubai for the short camp before the game against Iraq.On the local front, there are at least 34 players, who are trying to impress the coaching staff why they should be part of the Dubai Camp.
A source told The Designated Kit Man that Saintfiet is in Europe scouting and probably convincing foreign-based Filipino players to suit for the sun and three stars soon. He will meet the team in Dubai for the short camp before the game against Iraq.
A check with someone close to Rasmussen, however, revealed that nothing is definite yet with his availability to return to the national team. Rasmussen currently plays forward for Hobro in the Danish 1st Division. Several months ago, the same source told me that Rasmussen was very inclined to make his return in the World and Asian Cup qualifiers.
Just hoping that Saintfiet and his staff will have enough time to assemble the best team possible against the mighty Iraqis.
For something definite, Ernest John Obiena has become the latest Filipino athlete to receive the backing and support of Visa, the worldwide payment technology partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
The number two pole vaulter in the world joins 116 other athletes from all over the globe who will be part of Team Visa in the summer games. He is also the third Pinoy athlete to earn this distinction after gymnast Carlo Yulo in 2020 and Filipinas’ goalkeeper Inna Palacios in 2023.
Jeff Navarro, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines said “Obiena’s commitment as an athlete and a Filipino is a good demonstration and inspiration to a lot of young Filipinos that they too can dream big.”
Obiena says his endorsement with Visa goes beyond the Olympics. “I think this partnership supports my passion to spread pole vaulting in the Philippines and make it sure it is accessible to a lot of people at the same time,” he explained
Included in the deal is the opportunity for Visa to support a charity of Obiena’s choice.
“Visa takes it further. It actually makes sure that the partnership will be fruitful, not just on the commercial value of it but as a community building tool too. And with that I’m honored to have a brand that echoes the passion of the true meaning of sportsmanship and for Filipinos out there,” Obiena added.
Obiena said he is healthy and injury free as he prepares to compete in the biggest sporting event this year. He revealed that he is looking forward to the outdoor season before going to Paris in July.
Speaking of competitions, reigning 2023 Junior Karter of the Year Ryan Sy is set to carry the country’s national colors as he participates in the ROK Cup 2024 in Bira, Thailand before the end of March.
The 14-year-old racing prodigy will compete in the junior category of the racing competitions that is expected to draw the participation of the best karters in the region on March 30-31. Last year, Sy was the overall champion in the ROK GP Super Karting after winning five out of the six rounds of the competitions.
But before that, Sy will fly to France to train under the famous 321 Fitness Center, where F1 drivers go to further hone their skills. Sy will be in the 321 Fitness Center for at least 10 days. And the kid and professional driver in him are both looking forward to the opportunity.
“Since they have so much equipment and research done, they know exactly what exercises or training that will further improve my strong suits and address my weaknesses not only on the physical side but on the mental aspect as well. I’ll be training there under stress while making fast decisions,” Sy said.
As early as now, Sy has his career planned out to accomplish his ultimate dream. That is to become the country’s first-ever F1 driver.
“The pinnacle of every racer’s goal is to race in F1 and I want to join or at least do F1 testing when I’m 19 or 20, which is the earliest possible time,” he added.
While the goal is daunting to say the least, Sy is determined to do the hard work, the long hours of training, the discipline and the sacrifices needed to achieve his goal.
With his skills and determination plus the unwavering support of his parents, Sy will probably do just that in record time.
On a personal note, I am happy to hear that Isabelle Mapanao has participated in the Filipinas’ ID Camp in San Pedro Del Pinatar in Alicate, Spain. The ID camp was held before the Pinatar Cup. Her father, Donnie, shared the good news that Isabelle has been included in the Filipinas’ pool of goalkeepers and that she is back in Geneva after spending some time in Spain playing for FC Malaga Academy in 2022 and FC Marbella in 2023.
Isabelle will now man the sticks for Union Sportive Terre Sainte, her new club in Switzerland, while at the same time sharing her knowledge and experience to young girls who are hoping to follow her boot prints as goalie. Isabelle is doing her best to be sharp and ready while waiting for the call from the Filipinas. Good job, Isabelle!
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