THE original Azkals are making a comeback, determined to keep their name etched in the hearts of their fans.
Reviving the iconic moniker that once brought the Philippines back into the global football spotlight, the Philippine Azkals will once again represent the country, this time in the prestigious Asia 7’s Championships, slated for Oct. 9 to 12, 2024, at the EV Arena Elmina in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Leading the charge are former Philippine Men’s National Football Team captains and local football legends Stephan Schrock and Missagh Bahadoran, who will serve as co-captains.
Veteran Iranian footballer Hamed Hajimedhedi will take on the role of head coach, while Patrick Ace Bright will manage the team.
Both Schrock and Bahadoran expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to step back onto the pitch, under a new format and an Azkals’ uniform.
“This is the next step in preserving the Azkals’ name, which has become synonymous with Philippine football. It’s crucial to continue the legacy of how we, once considered underdogs in Asian football, rose to the occasion and overcame numerous challenges. By reclaiming the Azkals name, we hope to inspire a new generation of aspiring football players in the country,” said Schrock.
He also thanked the new leadership of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) for allowing them to use the Azkals brand again.
Recently, the PFF announced that the Azkals moniker would no longer be used for the national men’s team.
Bahadoran echoed Schrock’s sentiments, stating that the chance to represent the country again was too significant to pass up.
“It’s been years since I last wore the national colors, but the desire to do so never left. It’s a great honor to play for the Philippines one more time,” he added.
Established in 2022, the ASIA 7’s is the premier Asian International 7-a-side tournament, featuring national teams from across the continent. Countries and territories such as Malaysia, India, Japan, China, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines have already confirmed their participation, with five more teams expected to join.
Anton Del Rosario, Asia 7’s Commissioner, and former Azkals core member emphasized the significance of the tournament.
“Our main goal is to make 7-a-side football more accessible across Asia. This competition has the potential to become as influential as the Asian Football Confederation’s tournaments, and we must work hard to realize that vision. The ASIA 7’s Championships is a positive step in that direction.”
In addition to Schrock and Bahadoran, the team is still in the process of recruiting more players.
Coach Hajimedhedi announced that tryouts will be held on Sept. 7 and 8, 2024.
A tune-up match between the Azkals and celebrity football players is scheduled on Oct. 6, with the final roster expected to be announced on or before the exhibition game.
