Azkals training moved to Brent School

BY MARIA ELENA GONZALES

BAGUIO CITY. – Problems with the pitch at the Benguet State University has forced German coach Hans Michael Weiss to transfer the training of the Philippine Azkals to the Brent School International here.

"We had difficult conditions (at the BSU field.) The pitch was a little bit bumpy but we did control the ball and the boys made the best out of it," said Weiss, who is overseeing the Azkals’ training in preparation for the return match of their Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup series against Mongolia on March 16 in Ulan Bator.

The Azkals trounced the Mongolians 2-0 in Bacolod City last Feb. 9 and are here for high altitude training. The weather here is also intended to prepare the players for snowy conditions in Mongolia for the return match.

The BSU field was readied for Tuesday’s practice but Weiss instead brought the team to the Brent School grounds, saying it is nearer their hotel. Weiss said the travel time from their hotel to the BSU, nearly 45 minutes, is too long.

"Slowly but surely we are adopting to the cold weather," said Weiss, whose charges were hounded by autograph-seekers before their training session.

Baguio’s Pinikpikan squad, composed of varsity players from colleges and universities in the city, will practice with the Azkals Wednesday at the BSU grounds. On Saturday, the Azkals battle Benguet Etag’s, their last match before heading off to Japan to resume their training.

Coach Frael Aquino, the adviser of the BSU Soccer Club, said watching the Azkals train has given him new insights on how to train his local teams.

"Mas refined sila sa drills nila. All this is something new for us," said Aquino.

"Physically we had a good session in our first practice," Weiss said.

Malaya