16 March 2024

Pre-season friendlies PFL

 March 15


United City Fc 1-0 Manila Digger

Stallion Laguna 5-1 Maharlika


15 March 2024

Paasa, pabida, palpak’

 By Erel Cabatbat

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!

https://manilastandard.net/sports/sports-headlines/sports-columns/the-designated-kit-man-by-erel-cabatbat/314426015/paasa-pabida-palpak.html

10 March 2024

The best of luck Azkals

 By Erel Cabatbat

March 7, 2024, 7:05 pm


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.

https://manilastandard.net/sports/314423621/the-best-of-luck-azkals-ej-ryan-isabelle.html

Preseason friendly - Kaya Fc 3-0 Loyola

 Kaya Fc Iloilo won 3-0 against Loyola fc in a preseason friendly on Saturday.

Pic : Nikko dela Cerna/Facebook




29 February 2024

PFL Pre-season friendlies

24. February 

Kaya Fc Iloilo 2-1 Manila Digger

28. February

Taguig Fc 4-2 Manila Digger




Mendiola 4-1 Maharlika


Open training March 1 at Rizal Memorial Stadium