The squad list of the Philippine National Men’s Football Team is out early this week. Despite the hype and reports claiming that several high profile foreign-based players have committed to suiting up for the flag and country against Iraq, only a few actually were included in the list. Which simply means, all the hype and the claims are nothing but hype and claims. In short, paasa, pabida, palpak. Committed is miles apart from actually showing up when it matters.
The team, formerly known as the Azkals, will have the old reliable OGs, some returning and several new faces including a collegiate player from a school where a key official of the Philippine Football Federation also occupies a very important position. He must be mighty proud that his ward has made it to the squad set to leave tomorrow for the Dubai camp before the team faces Iraq on the 21st in Basra. The Designated Kit Man is hoping that this kid will make the best of his debut with the national team.
Going back to the absence of notable names such as Gerritt Holtmann, Raphael Obermair, Sebastian Rasmussen and others, some say “availability” is one of the reasons why they won’t be in Iraq and Manila during the third week of March. What does “availability” mean? Is it because of injury? Is it because of club commitments? Is it because of personal reasons? Or is it because of the same old pabebe Azkal wannabe syndrome?
A source at the PFF, when asked about the exclusion of these players in the list, aptly summed it up when he responded: “I wish I knew.”
I wish I knew, too.
But rather than harping on those who are not present, again, I would rather wish those who always heed the country’s call, the returning players and the rookies flying to Dubai, all the best. The games against the 59th FIFA-ranked Iraq will not be easy. The team is also coming from the Asian Cup so the odds are pretty stacked up against the Philippines.
And for those who had so many things to say about the Azkals, players, coaches and management and know even more than your ordinary keyboard warriors and Monday morning strikers, make sure to be present on March 26 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The team needs your presence. ‘Wag lang sa social media kayo pabibo at maingay!
Speaking of odds, what are the chances that so many job openings are available at the PFF? People who love football, have the necessary qualifications and would love to relocate to Carmona, Cavite now have several job opportunities to work with the PFF. From what I read, these openings include legal officer, marketing officer, program officer, accounting assistant, club licensing officer, international relations officer, production unit officer, media officer and multimedia designer. Is the PFF expanding its manpower to further boost football all over the country? The next logical question is: has so many people resigned from the PFF in such a short time since the new bosses took over? Perhaps the biggest question is ‘anyare’?
Speaking of moving on, two friends will officially end their stints at the PFF after several years. Cedelf Tupas and Icko De Guzman have tendered their resignations with the NSA and by April 1 will either be jobless or going on a much-deserved vacation. Whatever they intend to do, good hunting my friends!
Cedelf and Icko have done so much for the PFF and football in general during their stay. Much of these do not show on any statline or the usual stories about the national teams. They have worked mostly on the sidelines and even more behind the scenes.
But there are three things I would like to thank them for: for helping and enabling the PFF to broadcast games of our national teams no matter where they play regardless of the time zones and circumstances. Especially when no mainstream media do not have the interest, the air-time and the nationalistic pride to air the games live. These two, including the many silent workers in the PFF, moved heaven and earth to ensure local fans have the opportunity to see the national teams – the Azkals, the Malditas and the youth teams – in action live.
The second thing: Making the football press closer, updated, accessible and a beat apart from the usual sports press. Being part of the Philippine Football Press Corps GC has made life easier and bearable even when results are too depressing.
The third thing is: Thank you for being real friends. That no matter how we argue, bash each other and have petty misunderstandings the whole time, at the end of the day, we are still friends. Go get them, Cedelf and Icko!
On wishing goodluck, it is good to know that upcoming boxer Jesus Magdayo has received a tremendous boost in his corner. The 19-year-old prospect will make his second professional fight on March 23, 2024 after scoring a sensational first round TKO in his debut.
Cong. Butch Pichay will now back his career moving forward and things could never have been better for Magdayo for this wonderful development sealed with a simple handshake last weekend.
In another interesting event, things are moving toward the right direction for the basketball and volleyball competitions of the 1st ever Manila Women’s Cup 2024 organized by the Manila Sports Council in celebration of the National Women’s Month. Tentatively set to unfold on March 22, hostilities will be held at the San Andres Sports Complex in Malate.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo, with the support of the city council, made the volleyball and basketball tournaments possible. Ten teams coming from colleges and universities located in the capital are seeing action in the basketball tournament while nine squads, representing nine educational institutions, are competing in the volleyball competitions.
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