Azkals arrive tonight

THE much-awaited arrival of the most celebrated team in the country Wednesday is set to land at Bacolod-Silay Airport at 6 p.m.


The Philippine Football Team-Azkals led by their German coach Hans Michael Weiss and team manager Dan Palami along with Ilonggo standouts Ian Araneta,Yanti Bersales, Mark Ferrer, Chip Caligdong, Noel Gener, Joven Bermejo, Nestor Magarce and Eduard Sacapaño will compose the first batch, the PFF media relations said yesterday.

The Azkals’ early arrival is part of their venue familiarization and preparation for the upcoming February 9 AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series at the Panaad Stadium.

Meanwhile, key players like the Younghusbands, James and Phil, are most likely to arrive soon as well as goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, defenders Ray Jonnson and Rob Gier and midfielders Jason de Jong and Chris Greatwich, who are expected to arrive on February 5.


On the other hand, national coach Weiss, in a national paper, expressed confidence that he could whip the national squad into a solid attacking unit when the Azkals face Mongolia however allayed concerns that the team’s preparations will be affected by the arrival of several overseas-based players just a few days before the match.


A press conference, meanwhile, is also set after a welcome dinner for the team led by Gov. Alfredo Marañon will be held at Bar 21 Restaurant.


Negrenses and Bacoleños who are interested to buy tickets for the said games and have their reservations may contact Pauline Javelona of Negros Occidental Football Association Tuesday said that for those may contact 0922-8210466.


Bearers of these tickets will earn their sets at the main grand stand. (JSG)

Sun Star Bacolod