The Philippine National Men’s Football Team’s (PNMFT) preparation for the Asian Cup Qualifiers has been hit with some minor hiccups. Initial expectations and optimism that big name players will finally suit up for the sun and the three stars will have to be tempered, again, for the meantime.
In a recent chat with Team Manager Freddy Gonzalez, the Director of national seniors teams, he relayed some developments as the squad is set to host Maldives on March 25 at the New Clark City pitch in Pampanga.
Gonzalez said that some notable names might miss this month’s window due to some reasons. Fans of Gerrit Holtman might have to temper their excitement in seeing him play in the country for a little bit more. Gonzalez revealed that the Vfl Bochum winger is “day to day” as of the moment.
“Gerrit (Holtmann) is out for two weeks, but they want him to play vs. Bayern this weekend. We are hoping that they don’t so he can recover well. He is 50/50 at the moment,” Gonzalez revealed.
He also disclosed that despite earlier optimism, two notable prospects might also miss the opening game as the country starts its bid to return to the biggest football tournament of the continent in 2027.
“André Leipold and Cole Mrowka still don’t have their passports so they might not be able to play in the March window,” Gonzalez said.
Leipold plays as a forward for FK Pardubice in Czech First League. Mrowka, on the other hand, is a midfielder for Columbus Crew that competes in Major League Soccer. At 18 years-old, Mrowka is expected to be part of the next generation of football players, who will feature for the national teams in the years to come.
Sebastian Rasmussen, another eagerly anticipated player who could bring so much to the team, is also tentative on his return to the national team.
“Seb technically is still not yet signed, so he is 50/50 too,” Gonzalez said on the Hobro IK forward. “It’s a shame because he could be amazing.”
The Designated Kit Man is also waiting to hear something from Rasmussen as well, hopefully soon.
As it is, Gonzalez is hoping that these minor hiccups will be addressed sooner than later. Moreover, no more additional concerns will be forthcoming as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is eyeing to assemble the best players possible for the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
“We had been really busy. Just planning and monitoring the current pool of Albert (Capellas) right now because they have two match weekends before the window so hopefully everyone is unscathed and available,” Gonzalez added.
As expected, there is no news on the Pabebe Azkal Wannabe (PAW), which I will no longer mention. Safe to assume that he is not really interested in playing for the country. A source revealed that they did everything for the PAW, even meeting his mother to facilitate his documents and fast track his Philippine passport even when the COVID-19 was at its peak.
Until now, those efforts remain unreciprocated – not that he is obligated to do so, but to reply is the least he could do. As a sign of respect, on the other hand, is probably too much to expect from this “walang utang na loob.”
“The coaching staff is excited and ready for the challenge,” Gonzalez said.
Moving on, a source inside the PFF said that the Men’s squad should be finalized by March 10. The federation is also expected to make the announcement on who will be called for the national training camp on the same day.
Incidentally, the training camp will start on March 17, or at least eight days before the Maldives’ tussle.
Regarding the venue, the same source revealed that the New Clark City football pitches (one for training and the other one for the actual game) are still undergoing maintenance and other touches by a company tapped by the federation.
“The football pitches are looking much improved and will be ready by March 17,” the same source said.
With regards to the Philippine National Women’s Football Team, the Filipinas are eyeing to see action from March 31 to April 8 for a series of friendlies abroad.
After the successful camp here, an international friendly or two will do well for the Filipinas as they are set to compete in the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup, formerly known as the AFF Women’s Championship. The venue and the date for the tournament are yet to be determined though. Nonetheless, the Filipinas should remain active and hungry for more action. The Filipinas won their first-ever AFF title in 2022.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
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