31 August 2011

Columbia Davao wins U23 football crown

THE Columbia Davao was unbeaten after four games to annex the crown of the Acer Cup U23 Mindanao Invitational Football Tournament at the Tionko field Monday.


Columbia blanked Central Mindanao University (CMU), 4-0, in the final day of competition. Nur Hazzanal Mentang knocked in all four goals in the 48th, 52nd, 67th and 80th minutes.


Columbia finished with 12 points to rule the single round-robin bootfest while University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum, which hacked out a 5-1 win over Medvil FC of Davao, made nine points for the runner-up honors.


Columbia pocketed P10,000 cash, trophy and medals.UM Tagum received P5,000 and medals while third-placer CMU went home with P2,000 and medals.


Edwin Giganto, Jr. of Columbia was named most valuable player and best defender while Mentang was hailed best midfielder.


UM Tagum's Birn Manique and Columbia's Jeffrey Albon took the best striker and best goalkeeper awards, respectively.


Giganto got P2,000 cash aside from the Acer laptop he and the rest of the individual awardees received from Davao FA president Edward "Chaya" Lim, general secretary Erwin Protacio and board members Reginald Ozims and Rafael "Pops" Vilela during the awarding rites. (Marianne L. Saberon-Abalayan)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on September 01, 2011.

Nomads SC announced pre-season friendlies

anila, AUGUST 31 (Sugod.com) – Nomads SC announced on Wednesday two pre-season friendlies ahead of their LBC United Football League Cup campaign which starts in over four-weeks time.

The club from Paranaque confirmed matches at the International School Manila on Wednesday followed by another against Green Archers on Sunday at the La Salle Zobel in Alabang.

Michael Denison’s side has been promoted to the elite first division of the LBC United Football League after finishing top in the second division last season.

Despite the loss of the Hartmann brothers in their line-up, Nomads have been touted as one of the major contenders to lift the trophy next season.

Steven Robert Borrill is expected to send to team to greater heights following his impressive form in the second division last season which earned him the top goalscorer and most valuable player awards.

sugod.com

Azkals to hold camp in Bacolod

AFTER the successful 1st Teen Azkals festival last August 27-30, the Philippine Men’s Football Team-Azkals will also hold its camp from September 8-15, 2011 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

This was disclosed yesterday by Executive Assistant to Governor Alfredo Marañon and Provincial Sports Cordinator Angel ‘Nonong’ Verdeflor and confirmed by Azkals Team coordinator Patrick Ace Bright.


The said camp, which will be headed by national team head coach Hans Michael Weiss, intends to scout new breed of players from the provinces to boost the national team during the upcoming Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Indonesia this November, as well as in future international competitions.


This activity is also part of the Philippine Football Federation’s (PFF) goal to provide a venue for the local talents to be scouted by the national coaches.

Verdeflor said the province has lots of talented football players who can help the national team.

Meanwhile, a friendly match looms between the Azkals and defending PFF-Suzuki U23 National Cup champion Ceres-Negros. However, Verdeflor has yet to confirm, as talks is still ongoing and has not been finalized as of this time.

The goodwill game would be the first time since the February match against Mongolia that the Azkals will be playing again in Panaad.

This will further boost the football awareness in the province.

Verdeflor disclosed that the 1st Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. Negros First Football League will kick off September 17 at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

He added that this tournament will be sponsored by the Negros Football League Association.

As of press time, a meeting on the finality of this tournament is taking place at Luxur’s Place with the list of competing teams expected to be announced.

Verdeflor said the implementation of this sports program is part of the priority agenda of Marañon.

He reiterated that to achieve this goal, the governor wants to eliminate politics in sports and give the athletes more exposures in order for them to be highly competitive and to be more experienced.

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on September 01, 2011.

PHL U-19 team–Musangs off to AFF U19 Championship

TER months of rigid training at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center in Bago City, the 20-man Philippine U19 Football Team-Musangs yesterday flew to Yangon, Myanmar for the Asian Football Federation (AFF) U19 Championship set September 8 to 21, 2011.

The squad, headed by Spanish coach Maor Rozen, is managed by former Negros Occidental 4th district Representative Charlie Cojuangco.


Cojuangco is the president of the Negros Occidental Football Association and a director of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), while Rozen was a member of the Royal Spanish Football Federation and the Uruguayan Football Association before he was tapped by PFF to spearhead the grassroots program in 2009.


Meanwhile, the squad is composed of players chosen from over 600 aspirants in several tryouts conducted across the country, particularly in Tarlac, Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao and Negros Occidental.

The team also boasts of two half Filipinos from Italy and Canada.

Earlier, Cojuangco stressed that the characteristics of a Musang, which is stealth and ferociousness, as well as resourcefulness when challenged, are what a football team needs to succeed. He added he wants a team that is going to be known for its football skills and not for the players’ looks.

“We want to train them to become better persons as much as we want them to be better players. We cannot produce good players with the wrong values,” he said.

He added he always believed that football is a sport where Filipinos can excel.

Aside from the competitions, Rozen said the team should also be a good training ground to supply players for the U-23 category. Then, U-23 players could graduate into the Philippine Azkals, the country’s national men’s team, he explained. (JSG)

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on September 01, 2011.

Hong Kong fielding best NT in Long Teng Cup

Hong Kong Fa chairman confirmed that Hong Kong will field a senior NT in Long Teng Cup "to improve FIFA rankings" .

Match schedule :

30. September : Philippines- Hong Kong
2. October : Philippines - Chinese Taipei
4. October : Philippines - Macau

30 August 2011

ACER Cup U23 Mindanao Invitational







































26. August :

CMU of Bukidnon def. MEDVIL of Davao 3-2. Goal scorers for CMU were Joshua Dutosme (79’), Bertrand Ramos (81’), & Kent Dave Elegido(86’). Goal scorer for MEDVIL was Francis Abrasaldo (36’ & 80’). UM Tagum def. BANFA of Butuan 14-1.


28. August :
BANFA of Butuan defeated MEDVIL of Davao 3-0. Goal scorers for BANFA were Warren Atuel (62’), James Viña (66’), & Charles Vincent Gamutan (71’).

Columbia of Davao defeated UM Tagum 3-1. Goal scorers for Columbia were Fransisco Iligan (14’) & Marlon Dimapanag (70’, 90’). The goal scorer for UM Tagum was Mark Ador(4’).


29. August
UM Tagum defeated MEDVIL of Davao 5-1. Goal scorers for UM Tagum were Cusimero Amad (63’, 86’), Mark Anthony Juan (69’), Mark Ador (76’), and Birn Manique (82’). Goal scorer for Medvil was Reymon Pareda (23’).

Columbia of Davao defeated CMU 4-0 . Goal scorers for Columbia was Nur Hazzanal Mentang (48’, 52’, 67’, 80’).


First Place : Columbia FC, Davao
Second place : University of Mindanao Tagum City
Thirs place : Central Mindanao University

Pics and results : Davao FA Facebook

Azkals' Etheridge, Schrock to miss Long Teng Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Several key Azkals players won’t be able to play for the national squad in the Long Teng Cup in September.

ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo reported that Filipino-Europeans Neil Etherdige, Rob Gier, Jerry Lucena, Paul Mulders and Stephan Schrock will be missing the event that is due to take place in Taiwan.

Some of the players are unavailable in September due to commitments with their respective ball clubs in Europe.

"Sorry I won't be able to make the long teng cup I'm sure that the team will do great! Will be supporting them all the way," said Etheridge through Twitter.

The Long Teng Cup is not listed in the coordinated FIFA international match calendar, which is why the football clubs are not compelled to release the players.

Gier, meanwhile, chose to stay close with his wife, who is due to give birth.

"Because of the imminent arrival of my baby girl I will not be taking part in the Long Teng Cup. This does not mean that I won't be taking part in future matches and I look forward to meeting up with the guys again very soon. I hope you all understand that it is an important time for me to be at home," he said through his Facebook account.

Filipino-British siblings Phil and James Younghusband, meanwhile, will be around to provide the needed boost for the Azkals.

They already began training with the rest of the Azkals at the Alabang Country club on Tuesday.

“Good to be back on team, good to see the same old faces. Good as well to get back in training,” said James.

Joining them is 23-year-old Filipino-German recruit Roland Mueller, second choice goalkeeper of German second division squad Duisburg.

Filipino-Dutch Jason de Jong and Filipino-German Manny Ott will join the Azkals as well.

ABS CBN News

Is a SEAG medal a realistic target?

Is a SEAG medal a realistic target?
A shrug, a twitch and a grimace.

That’s how coach Michael Weiss answered when I asked him whether a “SEA Games medal was a realistic target” while we were downing a few beers the other night.

We got to talking about how media hype may have led some fans, the clueless showbiz media and even a few of the sports media, to expect the world of the Azkals. How some tend to have unrealistic expectations.

“This (success) just doesn’t happen in six months,” he said.

Then I asked him how the Under 23 team was doing.

“It will be a totally new team with Manuel Ott, Jason de Jong, Roland Mueller, a fully professional keeper…There are also many, many homegrown talents who want…” he said.

More Cebu Football

Azkals' Caligdong to grace Mayor Doc Eric bootfest

PHILIPPINE Men’s Football Team - Azkals co-skipper Emilio "Chieffy" Caligdong will be the guest of honor in the opening rites of the Mayor Doc Eric Minuluan 2011 Football Festival on September 3 in Talisay City.


Two hundred teams from Dumaguete, Cebu, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are set to compete in the tournament scheduled September 3 to 4.

More : Sun Star Bacolod

Fil-German goalkeeper joins Azkals training

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-German goalkeeper Roland Mueller started training with the Philippine Azkals on Tuesday as the team began preparations for the upcoming Long Teng Cup.

ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo reported on her Twitter account that it is Mueller’s first time in the Philippines.
Mueller, the second choice goalkeeper of German second division squad Duisburg, is one of the two Fil-German recruits who will beef up the Philippine football squad.

The other Fil-German is striker Kevin Ingreso, who will join the national team next year after getting clearance from his club Hamburg.

Castillejo, meanwhile, said that the Azkals is still likely to keep Filipino-British player Neil Etheridge as its first goalkeeper.

“Making it clear, Neil is still the first keeper,” she said through Twitter.


ABS CBN News

29 August 2011

Philippine Musangs gear up for Asian football tourney

ANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Musangs, the country's national under-19 football team, arrived in Manila Monday night from Bacolod.

The team is managed by former congressman Charlie Cojuangco and coached by Maor Rozen, previously from the Spanish Football Federation.

We have been working with these players since 2 months ago. In Vietnam only we will work out the tactical aspects of the game. Our goal is only to try to develop new players for the future national teams, under-21, under-23, maybe Azkals. This must be the goal of the youth teams of the Philippines," Rozen said.

"For our team, all the teams are stronger, it means this tournament will be very hard for us. We will try to compete and to do the best that we can, but we will play hard because we will be competing against teams that have been working since 3-4 years ago," he added. "We will try to do the best we can. No secrets in football... we work very hard... to try to compete."

Captains Leo Carlo Liay, Ali Mahmoud, and Fitch Johnson Aviz Arboleda lead the 20 players, who were selected from over 600 applicants in try-outs conducted across the country.

"Ang support namin yung kami yung nag-form ng team para sa AFF, we conducted 6-8 tryouts, from Tarlac to Davao City, tapos yung ibang players na napili na pinayagan pumunta sa training camp, dinala namin sa Negros, sa Bago City, dun sila nag-stay for 6 weeks," said Cojuangco. "May program kami for their training with the coach, so ngayon paalis na kami papuntang Vietnam. Kailangan namin ng mga laro."

The Musangs will leave Tuesday morning for Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

They will compete in the Asian Football Federation U-19 Championship that will be held from September 8 to 21, in Yangon, Myanmar.

ABS CBN News

28 August 2011

Azkals coach: PHL needs comprehensive grassroots program

EBU, Philippines - The Azkals may have been getting most of the attention now from fellow Pinoys worldwide, but the country’s elite football team coach Michael Weiss is still looking for more support.

The support Weiss is seeking for, however, is not only for the Azkals, but for the country to come up with a genuine football program especially up to the grassroots level.

With a good developmental program, Weiss said the national squad can utilize an all-homegrown talent.

“If I have the choice, as much as possible, I want all home-grown talents in the team,” said Weiss, who was in town last Saturday to grace the San Roque Football Festival at San Roque Parish field in Brgy. Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

Unfortunately, the German strategist said there is not enough homegrown talents that can be tapped for all the international tournaments they are joining in.

“There are lot of conditions involved. We need more support from the people, schools, the clubs, the association. You see, there's not enough good pitches here in the Philippines, just like what you see here (San Roque football pitch) plus the environment, tournaments, the training of the young ones and continuity of the program,” said Weiss.

Having a pool of talented local players, Weiss said it will no longer be difficult to form a formidable team rather than rely on “professionals” who are based outside the Philippines that had been commissioned to fight for the flag and country.

Weiss even disclosed that PHL's lineup for this year’s Southern East Asian Games in Indonesia may be known only three weeks before the event since they still have to know the schedule of their Fil-foreign players.



Given this circumstance, Weiss could not promise of winning gold in the SEAG.

“The lack of preparation as a team would make it difficult to say on our chances,” Weiss said.

Prior to the SEA Games though, the Azkals are set to compete in Taiwan next month then train either in the Middle East or Japan.

And if Weiss has his way, he would love to bring the Azkals back to Cebu for training and another team bonding although time may be very difficult for them to do it this year.

Sans the players, Weiss said he plans to go back to Cebu within the year for a much-needed break.

"I like Cebu very much. I like the people and that is why I’m establishing a relation with the people, with the federation here,” Weiss said.

Weiss’ Cebu trip was backed up by the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC). He will report back for work today as the senior and under-23 teams resume their practice in Manila. - THE FREEMAN

German FA to evaluate Cebu football

By Mike T. Limpag


A TECHNICAL advisor from the German Football Association will soon visit Cebu to evaluate the grassroots programs, local tournaments and the clubs.


Philippine national coach Michael Weiss, who was in Cebu recently, said the visit of the technical advisor, who is also a former coach of the Philippines, is part of the aid program from the German FA to the Philippine Football Federation.


Eckhart Krautzun will be arriving in October to conduct an evaluation of the football programs of the PFF and of the provinces and will be assisted by members of the 1991 Southeast Asian Games team, the most successful Under 23 squad of the country.


“I chose him because he is familiar with the Philippines, having handled the team in 1991,” said Weiss.

Aside from evaluating the programs of the PFF, Krautzun will also evaluate the “youth football program in Cebu.”

“We want to build up as many youth developmental centers as possible,” said Weiss.

Weiss said the planned center will cater to the Under 10s and 12s and will involve a long-term development goal.


“After six to eight years, you should be able to see the fruit of your labors,” Weiss said.

The coach, who dropped by the San Roque Football Fiesta last Saturday, also said Cebu needs to have a decent pitch.

“You should improve the pitches here. You shouldn’t just wait for government support, there should also be support from the corporate and private sector,” he said.

Aside from youth football, Weiss said Krautzun and a technical advisory committee of the German FA will evaluate the “work of the PFF, conduct of school tournaments, local leagues, both regional and national, coaches’ education and the handling of the national teams.”

Weiss also said that it would be ideal for the PFF to be involved in the Palarong Pambansa, which has a football event and involves almost every public school at the district and unit meet level.

“Ideally, it should be handled by the football association but the Philippines is a very big country, there are so many things happening all together,” he said.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 29, 2011

Limpag: Do you want to know a secret?

By Mike T. Limpag


Hey, do you want to know a secret? But do promise that you will tell.

It’s a secret involving a group of guys who, for now, will be known as they-who-won’t-be-named.


But unlike he-who-must-not-be-named, whose dreams involved all sorts of ugly stuff that led folks in the Potterworld to call him by an alias, their dream is for everybody, not just for themselves.


The dream, of course, is a semi-professional football league in the Visayas.

“Kids who play basketball in the streets dream of someday playing in the PBA or even the lower leagues, because they see a future in it.”

The group hopes that someday it will become true for football.


“I hope, someday, the kids will be saying that they want to play football because they see a career in it.”

In Manila, it is becoming true with the Universal Football League, which already has a five-year, P150-million deal with TV 5 starting next season.

But funding a Visayas team to join the UFL would be a logistical nightmare, so, for the past few months or so, they have been working in the sidelines to address the need for a Visayas-wide league, one that could even be allied with the UFL.

The target opening? January, 2012.

I first heard of this plan a few weeks ago but I was told, “Don’t write about this yet, Mike.”

“Of course we would support it and we will field a team,” one guy, a potential owner, also told me then.

And two of them have shown they are willing to spend for football, and have done it long before every Juan has heard of the Azkals. And I’m not talking about a few hundred thousands, these guys have spent money people dream about winning in the lottery.

“Don’t write about this yet, Mike,” I was reminded, again.

He said he wanted everything to be in place before the story comes out and didn’t want to appear like a politician who gets caught up in announcing big developments but falls short on the follow-up.

And he didn’t want that. The football fan doesn’t deserve anything half-baked.

But things like these deserve to be made known, right? Fans and players in the Visayas deserve to know that something is being cooked for them so that someday, our best players won’t have to travel to Manila to play club football.

Hence, I’ve tried to convince them to allow me to spread the good news and jsut recently, I got the go-ahead to release a few details.

The league will involve teams from Cebu, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Leyte (this is kind of a give-away, right?), Iloilo and Northern Mindanao and there are already prospective owners.

“We want to have the best mechanism possible for the league,” he said. “And this will really complement the grassroots program.”

They hope that the kids who are in the various programs will see the league as a viable career.

“We really want to encourage the kids in the grassroots program, to make football as a career.”

For the league, they want the planning to be as comprehensive as possible and team owners will be armed with the best mechanism for their clubs. Next up is a meeting with the UFL, who would also be advising the owners how to run their clubs.

“This really needs a careful gestation period,” he said. “Dili ni ningas kugon, this is something for the future.”

And, of course, the big question.

Where in the world will a Cebu team hold its home matches?

There’s the Aboitiz field, of course, or the soon-to-be-refurbished Cebu City Sports Center.

Or, one other field that’s has just been given the go-ahead and another one, that if it pushes through, would have Cebuanos saying Sports Recla…Oops, I forgot, I’m not supposed to write about those stuff, for now.

Oh well.

I can wait.

It will be worth it.

(www.cebufootball.blogspot.com)


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 29, 2011.

Homeless World Cup - Philippines vs Czech Rep

Philippines lost 7-9 to Czech Rep in City Cup in Homeless World cup in Paris

This was 7 th place match in City Cup and last match for Philippines.

Match report

Football Festival in Zamboanga this September

Manila, AUGUST 28 (Sugod.com) – Two football tournaments are scheduled to be held in Zamboanga next month.

The ZAFA Cup on September 10 and Zamboanga Hermosa Football Festival on September 30 – two competitions open to footballers who are eligible in under-13, under-17, open, and 35 above categories.

ZAFA Cup will be held at the Sta. Maria Football Ground while Zamboanga Hermosa Football Festival at the Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex.

The deadline for registration for the Zamboanga Hermosa Football Festival is on September 25, 2011.

For more information, contact Basti Sebastian at 09273136722 or sebastian.marlon@gmail.com.


sugod.com

Filipinas Futsal Cup Winners Cup 2011

PHILIPPINE FUTSAL CUP WINNERS CUP

THE FIRST YEAR-LONG FUTSAL TOURNAMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES.

A Series of 1-Day-Futsal Cups

1ST ELIMINATION LEG – January 29, 2011 – Marcelo Cup
Men’s-Socceroos FC
Women’s-UA United


2ND ELIMINATION LEG – February 26, 2011 – DB Makati Cup
Men’s-Schwarz FC
Women’s-Los Borrachos

3RD ELIMINATION LEG – June 5, 2011 -LCC Central Plaza Mall.Naga City
Men’s – FC Francia
Womens – MNFS

4TH ELIMINATION LEG – June 25, 2011 -EAC Gym,Manila
Mens-MFA
Womens-PUP

5TH ELIMINATION LEG – July 30, 2011 – The Village Sports Club
Congratulations to the Winners
Womens Division:
Champion-CWB
2nd Place-Bugsy’s FC
3rd Place-LFC
Men’s Division
Champion-Boleiros FC
2nd Place-DBUFC
3rd Place-Children of the Sky

6TH ELIMINATION LEG – August 7, 2011 -NCCC Mall, Davao City

WOMEN’S OPEN
CHAMPION ——– D’ Davao Survivors (D’DS) Football Club
1st RUNNER UP —-Solido FC -B
2nd RUNNER UP —Solido FC -A

MEN’S OPEN
CHAMPION ——– BLACK KNIGHTS FC
1st RUNNER UP —-ALIA ORANGE FC
2ND RUNNER UP— PHILIPPINE RABBIES

7TH ELIMINATION LEG – August 27, 2011 -Metro Sports Cebu


8TH ELIMINATION LEG - September 24, 2011 -Cagayan de Oro

9TH ELIMINATION LEG - October 2, 2011 -Ortigas

10TH ELIMINATION LEG - October 29, 2011 -Manila

PILIPINAS FUTSAL CUP WINNERS CUP NATIONAL FINALS
- November 26-27, 2011 -The Village Sports Club, BF Paranaque

There will be 10 Elimination Legs every month (8AM-6PM). Only the Leg Champions will advance to the PILIPINAS FUTSAL CUP WINNERS CUP NATIONAL FINALS on November 26-27, 2011 at THE VILLAGE SPORTS CLUB.

Pilipinas Futsal

27 August 2011

Rising Sun beats sister team Burning Sun to rule Futsal Cup; Chico United wins women’s title





RISING Sun and Chico United ruled the Cebu leg of the Philippine Futsal Cup Winners Cup yesterday at Metrosports,Lahug.


The all-Japanese team Rising Sun beat sister team Burning Sun, 5-3, on penalties to rule the men’s division, while the Cagayan de Oro-based Chico United overpowered Don Bosco Football Club, 3-1, to rule the women’s open.


Both teams qualified to the national finals in November where they will face winners of the other legs.


However, Rising Sun member Hayato Ayabe said they may not be able to send their team to the national finals because of lack of funds and will instead form a selection team of Cebu-based players, to be led by the champion team, for the nationals.


In the elimination round, despite not having a designated goalkeeper, Rising Sun finished undefeated with a 3-1 win over Boys Home and a 6-1 rout over Joker’s Arms.


On the other hand, the Burning Sun, which like the Rising Sun are manned by players of the Japanese-owned Crazy Horse Club, beat Cebu Eagles, 3-1, and LO, 7-1.


The seventh leg of the year-long futsal tournament gathered 12 teams in the men’s division, including new teams LO, NCR and Homeboys, manned mostly by players from the BPO industry, and six teams in the women’s.


For this tournament, local organizer Chris Oon modified the rules to avoid automatic elimination for the lowest ranked teams in the group.

All the teams who finished at the bottom played in a plate semis, which were considered wildcard matches.

Oon also encouraged the BPO teams to join the men’s open 11-a-side tournaments aside from the futsal tournament to boost their team.

“It would be a good experience for them to play with the other teams,” said Oon, who is also planning to organize a BPO football tournament.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 28, 2011

U23, Senior squads start training camp

WHILE the rest of the country is in the middle of a long weekend, members of the country’s 23-Under and senior football teams will be back on the field training for their upcoming tournaments.


Coach Michael Weiss, who is in Cebu for a brief vacation, will return to Manila today to supervise both training. The senior team will be joining the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan, while the Under-23 team will try to end the country’s medal drought in the Southeast Asian Games in November in Jakarta.


The senior team will also have a training camp in Bacolod on Sept. 8 to 15 and will have a friendly against a Korean team.


As for the Long Teng Cup, Weiss said he still has no full lineup yet as the European-based players all have club commitments.


However, he is planning to field a mixed team of 23-Under and senior players to be led by team captain Alexander Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Phil and James Younghusband.


“It’s difficult to say what our chances are against other teams but we will see at the preparations. We can win or end up second,” said Weiss.


The other teams in the tournament are host Chinese Taipei, Macau, and the Hong Kong Under 23 team.


As for the SEAG-bound team, Weis said they are arranging a training camp in October in Japan or in the Middle East.


Weiss also said the young team still has a long way to go as he observed the squad still lacks cohesion because they have not played together as a team and other players are still outside the country.


Weiss will be fielding Roland Mueller, first choice goal keeper from Germany in the under-23 team, together with initial members Jason De Jong, Simon Greatwich, Manny Ott, Phil Hinrichsen and locals David Basa, Yannick Tuason and reserve goal keeper Paolo Pascual.


Weis also said he will be observing players from Iloilo and NCR who could be part of the national team.


“Given the chance to choose between and foreign and local, I will go for the local but right now, they are not yet as good,” said Weiss.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 28, 2011.

Homeless World Cup - Italy beat Philippines

Italy won 7-3 against Philippines in Homeless World Cup in Paris.

Azkals Futbol Magazine





Azkals Futbol Magazine for September is ready !

Available in National Book Store

26 August 2011

PFF gets P21-M FIFA grant

By FRANCIS SANTIAGO


MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Azkals will soon have a practice pitch they can call their own.

The International Football Federation (Fifa) has approved the grant of $500,000 (roughly P21.7 million) to transform the Philsports pitch into an artificial turf as part of Fifa’s Goal Project 2 for the Philippines.

Philippine Football Federation president Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. yesterday said Fifa approved the grant after it was satisfied with the draft of the provisions in the Memorandum of Agreement entered into by the PFF and the Philippine Sports Commission.

The PSC, which manages the pitch, has agreed to have an artificial turf installed in the 10,000-seater Arena in Pasig City.


“We (PFF and PSC) will have to sign the MOA again on Sept. 1, but it’s only for formality because the draft has already been approved by Fifa,” Araneta said.


Under the agreement, the PSC will turnover the management of the turf to PFF officials for the next 25 years.

But Araneta said the $500,000 Fifa grant for artificial pitch won’t be enough, and the PFF may need to shell out $100,000 (P4.3 million) more to cover for the cost of construction.


The PFF had earlier proposed the Parañaque lot of charismatic leader Mike Velarde as the site for the project, but Fifa thumped it down after it found some kinks in the provisions proposed by the Velarde group in the MOA.


The Fifa also found the site unfavorable because it is located in the flight path of airplanes going in and out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The grant comes as a big boost for the Azkals, who don't have permanent practice area and only use alternately the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium and the pitch at the Alabang Country Club as training site.


Meanwhile, Araneta said Vietnam has turned down the invitation of the PFF for an Oct. 9 exhibition match against the Azkals at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.


But Araneta said they will not stop at looking at the other available teams as they have now invited Bangladesh and Oman. They have also invited India for an Oct. 6 friendly clash, but has yet to reply.

Manila Bulletin

Foreign born players players in UFL

List of foreign born players in United Football League(not complete)


DIV 1

Kaya Fc

Saba Sedeghi (Iran)
Shangara Taurai (Kenya)
Alex Camara (Liberia)
Gilbert Kabanda (Rwanda)
Philip Zemen (USA)
Jules Kabanda (Rwanda)
Eric Dagroh (Ivory Coast)
Derek Wanner (USA)
Nate Burkey (USA/Fil-am)
Alex Borromeo (USA/Fil-am)
Anton del Rosario (USA/Fil-am)
Lexton Moy (USA/Fil-am)

Green Archers United FC

Shag Shapay Johnson (Liberia)

Global FC

Izzeldin Elhabbib (Sudan)
Valentine Elhabbib (Sudan)
Angel Guirado (Spain /Fil-Spanish)
Arey Nii Ayi (Ghana)

Loyola

Phil Younghusband (England/ Fil-British)
James Younghusband (England/Fil-British)
Mark Hartmann (England/Fil-British)
Matthew Hartmann (England/Fil-British)

Philippine Navy

Marc Guevarra Cabanero (Mexico) ?


Source : Wikipedia and latest transfers.

If you know other foreign players in Div 1 UFL , let me know. List is not complete.




Southeast Asian Games-bound Azkals plan Japan training

By Cedelf P. Tupas

MANILA—The Phillipines Football Federation (PFF) is eyeing Japan as a possible training location for the national under-23 team that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia in December.

This was confirmed by PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who said that the Under-23 Azkals plan to be in Japan for at least a week in October for the final phase of their buildup for the biennial meet.

The senior Azkals actually trained in Japan early this year for their away clash with Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup.

The Philippines has not participated in men’s football in the last two SEA Games stagings, but team officials are hopeful the Filipino booters can finally nail a medal this time.

Several players from the senior squad like goalkeeper Neil Etheridge and midfielders Jason de Jong, Manuel Ott, Yannick Tuason and Simon Greatwich are all eligible for the SEA Games, raising hopes of a strong performance in Jakarta.

Araneta said the Azkals are also holding a week-long training camp in Bacolod in September to prepare for the Long Teng Cup.

Meanwhile, Araneta announced that the minor kinks have been ironed out in the PFF’s memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission in relation to the Fifa Goal Project at the Philsports pitch.

The PFF head honcho said that, on the recommendation of International Football Federation (Fifa), the PFF and PSC have agreed to a 50-50 sharing from the earnings from the use of the artificial turf that will be constructed at the Philsports.
The PFF is leasing the facility for the next 25 years.

The PFF’s share from the revenues, Araneta said, will go to the maintenance of the artificial pitch.

A Fifa representative is scheduled to visit PhilSports in September to determine the requirements for the construction of the artificial pitch.

inquirer.net

Homeless World Cup - Philippines vs Brazil

Philippines lost 1-9 to Brazil in Homeless World Cup today in Paris

Homeless World Cup - Philippines vs Portugal

Philippines lost 6-4 to Portugal in Homeless World Cup in Paris today

Teen Azkals tryouts in Panaad Aug. 27

The Philippine national Under 16 football team will hold a tryout at the Panaad pitch at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The tryouts dubbed as the 1st Teen Azkals Festival will be conducted by national coach Glenn Ramos and supervised by team manager Alvin Carranza.

New talents are expected to join in the tryouts and those who display impressive skills will be tapped to join the exhibition games between the Teen Azkals and seasoned local teams.

On August 28, the Teen Azkals will play against the Under 19 team at 8:30 a.m. and will face the Ceres Team the next day at 3:30 p.m. Their final game will be against University of St. La Salle at 3:30 p.m. on August 30.

“This is a very laudable move from the team manager to keep the team together and explore new horizons for the team, and for the others as well,” Philippine Football Federation Secretary General Ramon Manuel said.

Carranza said the festival is aimed at spreading friendship and unifying Filipinos, who are known to be sports-minded, for the love of football.

“We hope to develop talents from the grassroots and seek scholarships for the young talents,” Carranza said, adding that with enough funding, the PFF hopes to establish a football university to mold young talents inside the Ultra-Philippine Olympic Committee-Philippine Sports Commission compound.

The Teen Azkals is composed of 19 homegrown players -- handpicked with the help of the football associations in the provinces all over the country.

Members of the present lineup of the Teen Azkals are: Jose Zaldy Abraham Jr. (Iloilo), Jose Adrian de la Sierra (Dumaguete), Christian Paul Jover (Bacolod), Jonah Vidal Suarez (Laguna), Luis Gabriel Sumera (National Capital Region), Jose Brian Langub Romo (Bukidnon);

Alfred Inaki Nacuna (Bukidnon), Phil John Battalones (Bacolod), Nessi Villanueva Ramos (Bacolod), Raymundo Santilla (Dumaguete), Angelo Gabriel Bahoyan (Dumaguete), Alexis Joseph Juan (Davao), Skie Doug Carranza (NCR, team captain), Yves Russel Caballero (Cebu);

Renko Feliz Gaudiel (Cebu), Paolo Gabriel Alilam (NCR), Ryu Nell Fegidero (Bacolod), Antonio Eduardo Rafols (Cebu), Jhoguer Pasilan Ybanez (San Carlos City), Raphael Vincent Resuma (NCR).

The team represented the country recently in the ASEAN Football Federation U16 Youth Championship in Vientiane, Laos.*

Visayan Daily Star

Long Teng Cup Schedule

2011 Long Teng Cup in Chinese Taipei , Schedule:

Sept. 30, 430 PM- PHILIPPINES - Hong Kong;
Oct. 2, 7PM PHILIPPPINES - Chinese Taipei;
Oct. 4, 4:30 PM - PHILIPPINES - Macau.

25 August 2011

PFF mulls FIFA friendlies for Azkals

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is trying to arrange a pair of Fifa friendly matches in October to test the skills of the Azkals and possibly improve their ranking among football-playing nations.

The Azkals stand at 162nd in the latest monthly world rankings released by the Fifa last Wednesday, maintaining their previous position. They failed to earn ranking points from their 0-3 and 1-2 setbacks to Kuwait in the Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round last July 23 and 28.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said they are inviting Oman, Qatar, and Singapore to come over for a friendly on Oct. 6 prior to their third round campaigns in nearby countries.

Oman (103rd) will play an away match against Australia on Oct. 11, the same day Qatar (88th) is set to take on home side Australia, and Singapore (129th) hosts Jordan.

Another tune-up is eyed on Oct. 6 against Bangladesh, a side that the Azkals defeated in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers but ranks higher than Phl at 139th.

The Bangladeshis moved eight notches in the latest rankings on the strength of their 2-0 win over Lebanon in the second leg of their Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers Round 2 tussle. Bangladesh eventually lost to the Lebanese on goal aggregate, 4-2, to bow out.

“Hopefully Bangladesh will accept our invitation since they have no more (WC) matches and anyone among Oman, Qatar and Singapore will agree to play the Azkals before their third round,” Araneta told The STAR.

“Our players based in Europe will be available during those dates (Oct. 6 and 9) so we can truly gauge the team against higher-ranked opponents,” he added.


The PFF had earlier invited Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal and Jordan but each declined.

The Azkals will resume training on Aug. 29, then hold camp in Bacolod City from Sept. 8-15 to play against Ilonggo squads before competing in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei on Sept. 28-Oct. 2.

Some of the players in the Phl U-23 pool will join the Azkals in the Chinese-Taipei meet. After that, the U-23 booters and their teammates will spend one week in Southern Japan (Oct. 21-28) as final buildup for their Southeast Asian Games sortie.

philstar

Vietnam turns down Azkals’ invite for a friendly

By Cedelf P. Tupas


MANILA-—Southeast Asian powerhouse Vietnam has also turned down the invitation of the Philippine Football Federation for a friendly duel with the Azkals on October 9 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said he plans to invite Bangladesh—a team the Azkals defeated, 3-nil, in the AFC Challenge Cup last March, but are ranked 16 places higher than the Philippines at 146 in the Fifa rankings.

Araneta said holding a friendly at a Fifa international date like October 9 is the only way to ensure that all players, especially those based in Europe, will be released by their clubs.

Among the Europe-based players in the national team are Stephan Schrock, who plays for Greuther Furth in the German second division; Neil Etheridge, the second-choice keeper of Fulham in the English Premiere League; and Paul Mulders, who plays for ADO Den Haag in the Dutch Eredivise.

“This is still part of our build-up for the Challenge Cup next year,” Araneta said. “We have to prepare our team for that tournament, and one of the ways to do it is by having them play together in international matches.”

Nepal, which will host the Challenge Cup in March next year, had earlier declined the Philippines’ invitation for a friendly in October, citing a festival in the country during that month.

Malaysia also declined, citing the unavailability of its players who are playing in the domestic league, Araneta said.

But the reigning Southeast Asian champions are actually scheduled to play a friendly against 2006 and 2010 World Cup qualifier Australia in Sydney on October 7.

Vietnam has a big Asian opponent in October in Japan, which it will face in a friendly in Kobe.

Notwithstanding the spurned offers, Araneta said he would rather focus on the fact that it is now the PFF looking for friendly international matches for the Azkals unlike before when the team barely gets to play warmup matches.

“We want the Azkals to play against a country that is ranked higher than us, so a win will help boost our standings,” Araneta said.


Inquirer.net

Bukidnon team in Acer Cup U-23 bootfest

VISITING squads Butuan-Agusan del Norte Football Association (Banfa) and Central Mindanao University A-Kids of Musuan, Bukidnon downplayed their chances in the Acer Cup U23 Mindanao Invitational that opened Thursday at the Tionko field.


Both teams are seeing action in the Acer bootfest for the first time.


Banfa coach Glenn Monet said their team had very short preparation for the competition.


They also got funding for their traveling expenses from the Butuan government one day before coming to Davao City.


"Our team is bannered mostly by High School players since our college players can't be excused from their classes. This will be a very good exposure for the team. We are happy for the invitation from Davao Football Association and at the same time with the support of our government officials," Monet said during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn on Thursday.


CMU coach Ronaldo Balanda said they've been competing in Davao FA organized events in the past but all these were on Seven-A-Side formats.


Balanda added, "We will try our best to win this 11-A-Side tournament. We have been champions in Seven-A-Side competitions but the Acer Cup will be one great challenge for our part."


He said they CMU is composed of three High School, two 14-under and one 15-year-old players while the rest are college students.


Davao FA general secretary Erwin Protacio said Medvil, Columbia and University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum are also entered in the single round-robin tournament where the team with the most number of points will be declared champion.


The event offers P10,000 cash, trophy and medals to the champion, P5,000 and medals to the runner-up. No less than Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano "Nonong" Araneta will award the prizes. The third placer will also receive medals.


Individual awards will be given to the most valuable player, best striker, best defender and best goalkeeper. (MLSA)


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on August 26, 2011.

Alaba: Music motivates me

In many ways, the life of a diamond is very similar to that of a modern footballer. Once discovered, the raw stone is polished to increase its aesthetic and commercial value, rather like the many aspiring youngsters across the globe, a handful of whom are spotted by scouts and eventually moulded into professionals. Austria's record caps holder Andreas Herzog recently identified one such jewel in 19-year-old David Alaba: "He's a real gem, a god-send, the most talented young Austrian player of them all!"

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, the Bayern Munich youth graduate revealed his pride at receiving such high praise, but also insisted his development is far from complete. "My family and friends support me and help keep my feet on the ground," said the left-footer. "Of course it's nice to receive such a compliment from Andreas Herzog, but I'm a long way off being a jewel. I can still learn a lot and I have to keep on improving."

Alaba's modesty is no coincidence. Brought up by his Filipino mother and Nigerian father in Vienna, he has first-hand experience of the hardship his parents went through prior to their emigration to Europe. "I've been to the Philippines twice and also to my father's homeland," said the midfielder. "The difference between Nigeria and my life in Austria and Germany is notorious. It was only when I visited these places that I realised how good I've got it. I'm very thankful."

More FIFA.com

Homeless World Cup - Philippines 2-7 Scotland

Philippines lost 2-7 to Scotland in Homeless World Cup in France.

Azkals U-23 to play friendly vs India

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) said the country’s under-23 team will play a friendly game versus India as part of its preparations for the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in November.

“We’ve invited India for a friendly on 6 October and we’re still arranging other schedules,” said PFF President Mariano Araneta in Aseanfootball.org.

He added that the PFF is also inviting other Asian teams to play against the Philippine squad.

“We are inviting teams from other countries in Asia to play with us to hone the skills of our players,” said Araneta.

Among those invited was the Malaysian team.

Malaysia, however, declined an invitation due to a conflict in schedule


ABS CBN News

Philippines bows to Poland in Homeless World Cup

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - The Philippine team lost to Poland in the knockout stage of the 2011 Homeless World Cup on Thursday.

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau’s Bong Agustinez reported that the Filipinos yielded to the Polish footballers, 1-11.

“Natalo tayo... parang nabigla ang mga manlalaro natin. Pinag-aralan yata ng Poland ang laro natin, na tayo'y mabibilis daw. Kaya ngayon parang nagulat 'yung mga player natin, mabibilis din ‘yung Poland,” said Agustinez.

The Philippines will go up against a crucial match against Scotland later in the day.

It will need to score 2 more wins in the knockout stage to advance to the medal round.

“Mas lalo silang magsisigasig sa paglaro nila sa Scotland kasi ‘yun ang kelangang kelangan nilang ipanalo. Kasi pag natalo tayo doon medyo mawawala tayo kasi bukas Brazil at Portugal [ang makakalaban], mas matindi ‘yun,” said Agustinez.

The Filipinos earlier beat Croatia in their opening game in the knockout stage.

The Philippines is clustered with Croatia, Portugal, Scotland, Poland and Brazil in Group C.

ABS CBN News

Foreign coach for Malditas ?

Romours that PFF is looking for a foreign coach for Malditas (Philippines Women`s NT).

One of the possible coaches could be the Romanian coach Glad Bugariu

Homeless World Cup - Philippines 1-10 Poland

Philippines lost 1-10 against Poland in Homeless World Cup in Paris today.

They will be playing Scotland later today

Philippines back on training starting Monday

Manila, AUGUST 24 (Sugod.com) – Several members of the national team are scheduled to be back on training by Monday next week as part of their preparations for the upcoming Long Teng Cup in Taiwan.

It will be the first training session for the senior squad since their 2-1 loss over Kuwait less than a month ago. Kaya’s new signing Nate Burkey will be part of the squad who will be training at the Alabang Country Club and Rizal Memorial

The training is open to the public and media.


Sugod

24 August 2011

Cebu to host Futsal Cup

CEBU will host the Visayas leg of the first Philippine Futsal Cup Winners Cup on Aug. 27 at Metrosports.


It will be the seventh of the 10-leg nationwide Futsal tournament. It started last January in Manila and the second leg was held two weeks ago in Davao.


The event is organized by the Philippine Futsal Association Inc., which aims to increase awareness for Futsal and bring the sport closer to Filipinos.


A total of six teams have already enlisted in the women’s category while 12 have confirmed for the men’s open. The teams will play in single-round robin eliminations to determine the semifinalists.

Sun Star Cebu

Philippines skips past Croatia in Homeless World Cup

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines defeated Croatia in the knockout stage of the 9th Homeless World Cup in Paris, France on Wednesday.

The Filipinos continued their title bid with an 8-5 victory over the Croatians.

Team Philippines, which entered the knockout stage by beating Switzerland, built a 4-3 lead versus Croatia in the first half.

The Pinoys, mentored by football coach by Rudy del Rosario, scored 4 more goals against Croatia's 2 in the second half for the win.

The Philippines is clustered with Croatia, Portugal, Scotland, Poland and Brazil in Group C.

ABS CBN News

Vietnam invited to play Azkals

By FRANCIS SANTIAGO


MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Football Federation president Mariano ‘‘Nonong’’ Araneta Jr. Wednesday said they have invited Vietnam’s national football team for a friendly match against the Azkals on Oct. 9 here, hoping it will accept after Malaysia declined the invitation.

Ranked 18 spots higher than the Philippines at 144, Vietnam, like the Philippines, also failed to advance to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers following a 4-2 aggregate loss to Qatar after two matches.

Vietnam, however, has a special place in the current surge of football in the Philippines.


In what has been considered to be one of the country’s most stunning victories in many years, the Azkals beat Vietnam, then the defending champions, 2-0, in the AFF-Suzuki Cup in Hanoi last December.


Vietnam is set to play Japan in an exhibition match on Oct. 7 in Kobe, and Araneta said he is hoping that Vietnam will agree on taking a four-hour flight from Kobe the next day to play the Philippine side at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila.


The Japan Football Association has invited Vietnam to play the Japanese team as part of its buildup for the third round of the qualifiers for 2014 World Cup, where it will face North Korea, Uzbekistan and Syria.



“We’ll do our best to invite all available strong teams because this is the only time our team will be complete,” Araneta said referring to the Oct. 7-11 dates which was reserved by the International Football Federation (Fifa) for international friendly games.

During this period in the football calendar, professional clubs around the world allow their players to play for their national teams.


Araneta has also invited India for an Oct. 6 clash here, but has yet to get a response. India is one of the Azkals’ seven rivals, and the 2008 champion, in the AFC Challenge Cup finals slated March in Nepal.

Manila Bulletin

France youth squad GK Alphonse Areola shows Azkals interest

By Cedelf P. Tupas

MANILA—A highly-rated 18-year-old goalkeeper currently playing for France’s youth squad has expressed interest in joining the Philippine football team.
Alphonse Areola, who plays club football for Paris Saint-Germain in the French first division, has been personally invited by Azkals manager Dan Palami to join the Azkals for future competitions.

Palami, who was in Paris to watch several matches of the Philippine Homeless World Cup team, said Areola is still focused on his duties with France but did not discount the possibility of joining the Azkals in the future.
The 6-foot-3 Areola, whose parents are both Filipino, is the first-choice keeper for the French Under-19 squad. He has been tipped as a future top-choice keeper for France’s senior side.

“We have really formidable goalkeepers in the team,” said Palami. Neil Etheridge is currently the No. 1 keeper in the squad, while Filipino-German player Roland Mueller, the second choice goalkeeper of German second division side Duisberg, has also agreed to join the Azkals.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Filipino-German striker Kevin Ingreso will beef up the squad next year after getting clearance from his club, Hamburg.
Weiss also revealed that the German Football Association (DFB) is sending a technical adviser in Krautzen Ekhardt in October to make an assessment on the current state of the sport in the country, especially at the youth level.

At the same time, the DFB, is also inviting local coaches Yanti Barsales and Edzel Bracamonte to undergo a three-week extensive coaching course in Germany as part of the assistance package that came with the hiring of Weiss.

Another German coach, Michael Kruger, who was part of the backroom staff of the Tunisia team that reached the World Cup in 2006, will be arriving this month to join the coaching staff for the Azkals Under-23 squad for the SEA Games.

Azkals sponsor Cortal SQR recently gave the team P500,000 for its campaign in the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan next month as well as the SEA Games in December. Cortal also gave the Philippine Homeless World Cup team financial aid of P200,000.

Inquirer.net

Musangs’ training continues

Wake up between 5 to 6, eat a little something, and practice between 6 to 8 a.m. Breakfast is at 8, after which they do their studies from 9 to noon. Then rest until 4 p.m., practice between 4 to 6, have dinner between 6 to 7, and then sleep by 9:30 p.m.

That is the daily routine for the Philippine Musangs, the national Under-19 football team that is now training in a special football camp in Bago City, Negros Occidental. On Wednesdays and weekends, they play friendly matches, and take off for a day off on Saturday afternoons to Sunday.

Opened in July this year, the camp is under Negros Occidental Football Association president and former congressman Carlos Cojuangco, who is program director, and Maor Rozen, who is the Musangs’ coach. Some 20 players, chosen from try-outs in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, are training in the camp. They were selected from over 600 players who joined the try-outs.

It is a humble effort at putting together a national team, Cojuangco said, when oftentimes, our teams are put together two to three weeks before a competition.

Rozen said other countries may have three to four years lead time, but “we are here to compete, to do the best we can.”

The camp offers everything they need. For their training, the players have field work where they put to practice strategies. They go to the badminton court for strength and power exercise sessions and then to the swimming pool for recovery. Friendly matches are held either in the field here or at the Pana-ad pitch in Bacolod.

They live in a dormitory with study and mess halls, and work on a special tutorial program that allows them to keep in step with the classmates they left behind in their respective schools. Rozen is in the camp most of the time and a headmaster who ensures schedules are kept and in-house rules followed live there.

Cojuangco said whatever else happens later, the time spent in this camp ensures, at the very least, that “They’ll be better players when they leave.”

“They’ll be more mature,” he said, adding that the boys are treated as adults even if some of them act like children sometimes. For one, Cojuangco also said, “we are bringing them into the process, so they understand things.”

Interestingly, the players come not just from different places, but also from different social backgrounds – from exclusive schools to public schools, two are out-of-school now; from urban centers to hinterlands; two of them come from abroad.

Wasn’t this a problem? Rozen smiled: Football is round, in the end, everybody is the same.*

Source : Visayan Daily Star

Homeless World Cup - Philippines beat Croatia !

Philippines won 8-5 against Croatia in Homeless World Cup in Paris today.

Video

YouTube - Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta, Aly Borromeo, new SMB commercial

FIFA World Ranking August

FIFA World Ranking for August is released today.

Philippines staying at number 162 , but lost 3 ranking points.

ASEAN

120 Thailand -1
129 Singapore +2
129 Vietnam +15
131 Indonesia +6
146 Malaysia -
162 Philippines -
168 Myanmar -3
176 Cambodia -2
180 Laos -3
199 Brunei -1
202 Timor-Leste -

FIFA

23 August 2011

Homeless World Cup - Another win for Philippines

Philippines won 8-2 against Switzerland today in Homeless World Cup in Paris.

Video

In the second match today , Philippines lost 2-5 to Netherlands.

They finished number 2 in group and advanced.

Philippines is now in Group B for the Secondary Group Stage alongside Mexico, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa and Ireland .

Davao Football - Mintal wins 2 football titles

MINTAL United bagged two titles at the close of the Kadayawan Football Tournament held over the weekend at the Mintal Elementary School (MES) grounds.


Mintal United emerged champion in 12-under Group 2 while University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao Tigers A placed second and Calinan B came in third.


Mintal United also topped the 10-under event over MES teams B and A that finished second and third, respectively.


The Catalunan Grande-Medvil, for its part, copped the 12-under Group 1 crown as the Tacunan and Tapay Kids settled for the next two spots.


The winners received trophies and medals in the seven-A-side bootfest presented by the Davao Football Association in cooperation with the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO).


Teams from the city's third congressional district joined in the competition, including those from Bago Oshiro and Los Amigos, among others.


Barangay Mintal through barangay captain Ramon Bargamento II and barabgay councilor Benedict Adan, Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, and MES also backed up the tournament organized by the UP Mindanao CWTS Class. (MLSA)


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on August 23, 2011.

Negros booters face Japan

IT’S pride and showmanship at stake when the Negros First shinbusters battle the visiting Japanese booters on August 25 at 10 am at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.


Executive Assistant to Governor Alfredo Marañon and concurrent Provincial Sports Coordinator Angel Verdeflor said that this goodwill game is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Organization for Industrial Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA)-Philippines Chapter scheduled from August 23-25.



He added that the Negrense squad will be mentored by former national head coach Norman Fegidero and assisted by Paul Espinosa.


Meanwhile, Fegidero yesterday revealed the initial Negros First line-up that include keepers Bon Jovi Umbao and 6-foot Alfred Zuñega; Crismelo Aguilar, Marcelo Desucatan, Jazel Duazo, John Carlo Lucero, Noel Madraga, Marti Malubay, Ray Romy Malundo, Christ Je Opelario, Rudennis Palomo, Neil Patrick Quezada, Daniel Ramos, Eduardo Requiron, Alfie Sebuha, Abner Uberas, Jerc Umadhay, JemarCioson, Raynell Fgidero and Femar Suganob.


Fegidero pointed out that the team is composed mostly of players aged 17 and under from West Negros University.


This much-awaited match is expected to be an exciting display of talents and skills, most especially from the visiting squad, which is known as a football powerhouse in Asia and currently ranked No. 16 in the world by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa), the highest for an Asian country.


Football now has gained a place in every Filipino’s heart, particularly the Negrenses. It was noticeable during the last Azkals-Mongolia Challenge Cup Leg 1 where almost thirty thousand people flocked to Panaad Stadium to watch the game.


The Negrenses likewise trooped to Panaad to cheer the local squad during the PFF-Suzuki U23 National Cup and the PFF women’s tournaments. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on August 23, 2011.

Talisay Football - Go, Treyes lead Dynamic to keep solo lead

DYNAMIC Builders Football Club (FC) remained on the top of the team standings after beating Trimaxi-Agro FC, 6-2, last Sunday in the ongoing second elimination round of the 2011 Negros Leo and Pia Yanson (LPY) 9-A-Side Football Tournament played at the Ayala North Point pitch in Talisay City.


Key players Ali Go and Ian Treyes combined for five goals to anchor Dynamic’s victory.


Treyes opened Dynamic’s scoring in the early minutes of the game with a goal in the 26th minute.

Holding to a 1-nil advantage, Dynamic made several goal tries as Trimaxi also took few offensive plays. But with 2 minutes left before the end the first half, Go struck Dynamic’s second goal in the 43rd minute to eventually end the break at 2-nil.


At the resumption of the match, Go nailed another goal in the 46th minute to give Dynamic a 3-nil lead.


Meanwhile, behind by three goals, Alejandro Montelibano gave Trimaxi some hope with his first goal in the 49th minute.


However, Go hit back quickly with his third goal in the 54th minute to post a 4-1 advantage. Dynamic was not yet done with its scoring rampage, as Treyes and Archie Familiar converted a pair of goals in the 62nd and 64th minutes, respectively.


Though it was impossible to reverse the game’s outcome, Patrick Martir nailed a consolation goal for Trimaxi in the 69th minute.


With the setback, Trimaxi dropped to fifth position in the team standing.
In the other match, No.2 Ceres Transport FC blanked Las Buenas FC, 4-0.

Jason Panhay and Arvin Villaruel led Ceres with a pair of goals each. Panhay got all his scores in the first half (20th and 45th minutes), while Villaruel sand his goals in the second (50th and 65th minutes).

Las Buenas remained winless and in the bottom of the team standing.
On the other hand, Real Negrense FC kept close at the third position after a 7-1 blast over Minulu-an Talisay FC.

The raining goals from Real sealed the match even before the whistle blew to end the first half.


A quick 6th minute goal from Paul Espinosa opened Real Negrense’s scoring as Winston Valencia hit a 13th minute goal to give Real 2-nil lead.


However, Mark Treyes scored in the 15th minute to put Talisay FC up close, 1-2.

Real then started to attack Talisay’s defense, breaking it with a series of goal conversions. Carlo Torbela scored in the 16th minute, followed by Mark Uberas’ back-to-back goals in the 18th and 19th minutes. Then Luis Clauor joined the scoring with his share in the 24th minute as Carolino Gamlanga added another in the 31st minutes.

Talisay’s defeat put them in the fourth position in the team standing. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on August 23, 2011.

Baguio Football - Charter day football cup kicks off

REELING off high from the success of the recent Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan Football Cup, another football tournament is set to usher in Baguio’s charter day.


As part of the founding celebration, Baguio, through Councilor Elmer Datuin, in cooperation with the Baguio United Football Club, Inc. and the City Sports Office, will hold the Baguio Charter Day Football Tournament.


It will be a one-day seven-a-side football tournament featuring six age groups and the men’s and ladies’ open at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds.


Seeing action in the age group divisions are the 10 under, 12 under, 14 under, 16 under, 19 under and the 23 under.


Registration fee is P500 for the men’s and ladies’ open, while the age group divisions will be at P200.


Aside from the one-day tournament, a football festival and training for 6 and 8 under will also commence on the same day for the grass roots development program being pushed by Fifa, which is not tournament-oriented but development-oriented.


Under the new approach, systems will be implemented where kids will register and will be assigned to teams. Afterwards, they will be ushered to different stations in the training system where they will be coached and mentored on every aspect of their game and skills.


Following the different training systems, kids will be brought to a tournament station where they will apply the coaching they received from the different training systems.


This grassroots program under Fifa is also aimed to develop the interest of the children in playing football and to strengthen the base of the grassroots, particularly in football.


Interested teams or players may send e-mail to baguiounited@gmail.com for invitation, questions and entries. (Roderick Osis)


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 23, 2011.

Football fed focuses on coaches' training

MANILA, Philippines - Aside from beefing up the Azkals team with high-level players, the Philippines Football Federation is also looking to enhance the skills of local coaches to boost the overall development of the sport in the country.

Coach Michael Weiss reported that during his recent vacation in Germany, he has made arrangements with the German Football Association (DFB) for four Filipino coaches to attend a C license course in Koblenz.

“We can send four coaches from the Philippines, amongst them Yanti Barsales and Edsel Bracamonte, to go for a three-week intensive C license course from the German FA in Koblenz,” Weiss said.

At the same time, the DFB also agreed to bring a technical adviser – Krautzen Ekhardt – to the Philippines by October to assess the grassroots and youth development programs here, in preparation for a longer program.

“He will go to all the provinces and check football centers and schools, and make analysis, present it to the PFF and DFB in order to bring a (long term) technical adviser for two to four years starting next year,” Weiss said.

While in the country, Ekhardt will also help the Phl Under-23 team scout its opponents in the coming Southeast Asian Games.

Another veteran German mentor in Michael Kruger will come over to join Weiss’ coaching staff for the SEAG campaign, helping in the transfer of technology to local coaches along the way.

“This is good news for Phl football because we need to lift the level of coaches, and grassroots development, too,” said Weiss, whose Azkals crew is set to compete in the Long Teng Cup in Kaohsiung, Chinese-Taipei next month.


Philstar

22 August 2011

YouTube - Smart Club Championship 2011 Game 2

PFF invites foreign teams for exhibition matches

PHILIPPINE Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano Araneta said the PFF is inviting foreign teams to play against the country’s Under-23 squad in exhibition games.
The matches would serve as tune-up games for the Philippine Under-23 squad that is set to compete in the coming 26th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Indonesia on November 11 to 25.

“We are inviting teams from other countries in Asia to play with us to hone the skills of our players,” said Araneta, noting that Azkals’ German coach Hans Michael Weiss would oversee the training of the country’s U-23 team beginning this week.

Araneta told The Manila Times that Malaysia has declined the PFF’s invitation due to conflict in schedule. India, however, agreed to play with the Filipino squad. No final confirmations were received yet from the other foreign teams invited.

“We’ve invited India for an October 6 match and we’re still arranging other schedules,” said Araneta.
India is currently No. 153 in Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rankings while the Philippines is No. 162.

Manila Times

Bigger United Football League season looms

A bigger, better and more competitive United Football League is in the works.


Months before the season-opening UFL Cup kicks off, major developments have heightened the excitement of the Manila-based premiere league which is riding the wave of the unprecedented surge in interest for the sport.

A landmark television deal with TV5 which will pave the way for matches to be aired live for the first time in history and the impending entry of high-profile players have added to the buzz surrounding the season starting in October.

The league, backed by LBC and ran by Football Alliance, is set to sign a P150 million, five-year television deal with at least 80 games expected to be aired live for the season.

“This will definitely change the landscape of football in the country,” said Football Alliance chairman Santi Araneta, referring to the TV deal which is considered a first in the history of the sport in the country.

The deal includes a cash outlay of P20 million annually and another P10 million for advertising promotions.

Football Alliance sees the developments as a product of the effort they put in improving the league starting three years ago.

“The UFL has been there for quite some time, but we made it a point to really improve the league when Football Alliance came in three years ago,” said Araneta.

Araneta was quick to point to the success of the national football team “Azkals” as the main reason behind the rise of the sport and the league.

“We are always thankful for what the Azkals has done for the sport,” he said. “We hope to also find ways to contribute in the growth of football in the country.

Some of the top players in the league like Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, Ian Araneta and Chieffy Caligdong are members of the national team.

The cash outlay will not only ensure the league’s staging for the next five years, but also boost the finances of the clubs.

UFL teams are actually bracing for the most competitive season yet.

The first and second divisions will expand to 10 teams each this season. Aside from defending champion Air Force, the first division features Global, Kaya, Navy, Loyola, Green Archers and Army.

Nomads will be promoted to the first division next season for topping the second division. Stallions and Pasargad, which finished second and third, respectively, have the inside track in the two remaining first division slots.

The UFL Cup opening on October 2 will actually stake the two remaining first division berths.

Teams outside the first division that will make the semifinals will face either Stallions or Pasargad who could gain automatic entry should there be no new teams making the UFL Cup last four.

“We expect better quality and exciting games,” said Araneta.

UFL Website

120 teams join Mayor Doc Eric bootfest

ONE hundred twenty squads from Dumaguete, Cebu, Iloilo and Negros Occidental are set to compete in the Mayor Doc Eric Minuluan 2011 Football Festival scheduled on September 3 to 4, 2011.


The event is part of the city’s celebration of its annual fiesta in honor of Saint Nicholas de Tolentino. It will be played simultaneously at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) and Talisay City football fields.


The organizers stressed that this sports undertaking is a commitment of Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan, M.D. for the city’s long-term football development program.


The teams will compete in seven categories, namely the ladies open and the girls division (born in 1999), boys (born in 1994), boys (born in 1996), boys (born in 1999), boys/girls mixed (born in 2001), the men’s open, and the 38 and above division.


September 3 will feature the girls division (born in 1999), boys (born in 1994), boys (born in 1999) and the 38 and above division.


Meanwhile, on September 4, the categories to be played are ladies and men’s open, boys (born in 1996) and the boys/girls mixed.


Teams that are interested to join should confirm participation on or before August 23, 2011.They are also required to bring along the final list of players, any identification card of players and certified true photo copy of birth certificate or NSO copy or passport, except for the ladies’ open. Registration is fee.


Aside from Mayor Saratan, the other supporters who bankroll this sports program are Talisay Councilor Edmundo Celiz and Rafael ‘Junie’ Lizares. Celiz also serves as vice-president of Minilu-an Football Club. (JSG)


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on August 22, 2011.

Philippines win against USA !

Philippines won 4-3 against USA in Homeless World Cup today !

Philippines beat Ghana !

Philippines won 3-2 against Ghana today in Homeless World Cup in Paris.

They will be playing USA later today

PH loses 1st game in Homeless World Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The 9th edition of the Homeless World Cup kicked off last weekend in Paris, France, with 64 countries participating in the tournament.

Before the competition, the teams paraded from Plaza Trocadero to Champs de Mars.


Former French player Emmanuel Petit and Mel Young, President and co-founder of the Homeless World Cup, officially opened the tournament.

France's women's team immediately gave the host country a victory, defeating Paraguay 6-4 in the opening game.

But the French men's team could not duplicate the achievement of their female counterparts, falling to Portugal with a score of 8-5.

Meanwhile, the Philippine team dropped their first game against Slovenia, 6-4.

Coach Rudy del Rosario said that his team may have been too confident at the start of the game.

"Medyo siguro naisip nila na may edad na yung (kalaban nila)," del Rosario said.

"Pero sabi ko sa kanila ang labanan dito ay pantay-pantay, lalo na sa mga European opponents natin," he added.

The Filipinos were able to tie the game twice, at 3-3 and 4-4, but gave up 2 goals in the end that spelled the difference for Slovenia.

"Although naka-recover tayo sa 2nd half... it was a bit too late," del Rosario said afterwards.

"We still have 12 games to go, bukas may 2 games tayo sa group stage. We need to win at least 3 games," he added.

Despite the loss, the Filipinos in Paris still gave the team a warm welcome.

The athletes were delighted as they saw the great support of the Filipinos in the country.

Del Rosario remains confident that the team can bring honor to the Philippines.

"Well last year, naka-panalo tayo ng Host Cup sa Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hopefully, we improve on that," he said. -- Report from Bong Agustinez, ABS-CBN News

PFF- Smart Club Finals - Teknika FC National Champions!

PFF-Smart Club Finals: Smart San Beda FC (Rizal) vs Teknika FC (NCR) Leg 2 tonight, 6pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium. ADMISSION IS FREE!

Teknika FC won first leg 3-0

---------------------------------------------

San Beda Fc won 2-0 against Teknika FC

Phil and James Younghusband scored.


Teknika Fc won 3-2 on agg and won PFF Smart Club Championship !

21 August 2011

Homeless World Cup - Philippines vs Slovenia

Philippines lost 4-6 to Slovenia in first match Homeless World Cup in Paris


Other group results :

GHANA 3-6 USA

NETHERLANDS 9-2 SWITZERLAND

Naga City Football - Penafrancia Cup





Saturday, September 10 · 7:00am - 5:30pm

Metro Naga Sports Complex

A 1-Day Football Festival of Small-Sided Games (7-a-side) on smaller fields with smaller goals

Facebook

1st Mayor Michael V. Fariñas Football Cup

Saturday, August 27 at 8:00am - August 28 at 5:00pm

President Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium, Laoag City


FEE: MENS OPEN: P500.00
16 and under- P300.00
Last date of registration is on August 19, 2011
Mens Open- will be on these date August 27, 2011
16 and under w/ NSO Birth Certificate - will be on these date: August 28, 2011
One event participation of every individual


Facebook

Azkals conduct football clinic in Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines – Locals of Guimbal, Iloilo were given a treat when some members of the Philippine Azkals conducted a football clinic in Guimbal National High School last Saturday.

Chieffy Caligdong, Ian Araneta and Roel Gener were among the Azkals who spearheaded the football drills.

They are natives of Barotac Nuevo, touted as the football capital of Iloilo.

The Azkals said that they want to encourage the young Ilonggos to play football, as they have the potential to excel in the world’s most popular sport.

Aside from the 3 Ilonggo natives, Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado also paid a visit to the football clinic.

After the clinic, the Azkals also played in a friendly game with the locals. -- Report from Regi Adosto, ABS-CBN News Iloilo

ABS CBN News

Kaya beat Green Archers

Kaya Fc beat 5-0 Green Archers in a friendly today

Nate Burkey scored two goals.

20 August 2011

YouTube - Izo Elhabib of Teknika FC scores vs Smart San Beda

Cavite Football Association

Visit Cavite Football Association website

You can also visit them on Facebook

2011 Homeless World Cup - Draw

Draw today in Paris

Group H

Philippines , Ghana , Netherlands , USA , Switzerland and Slovenia

Teknika FC beat San Beda FC 3-0 !

PFF Smart Club National Championship final , first leg

Teknika FC 3-0 San Beda FC FT

Izzo Elhabbib scores hat-trick for Teknika !


Second leg on Monday

19 August 2011

Malaysia, India invited vs Azkals

By FRANCIS SANTIAGO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Football Federation has invited Malaysia and India to play the Azkals in October at home in friendly matches serving as preview of the national team’s two important competitions next year.

PFF chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. Friday said the invitation to the two squads came after Nepal turned down the PFF’s invite for an Oct. 6 exhibition match at the Rizal Memorial Football Field.

Playing against Malaysia and India, ranked No. 146 and No. 153 in the International Football Federation (Fifa), will give the Filipinos an opportunity to gauge their level of competitiveness as they will get to test the mettle of their future rivals in the AFF-Suzuki Cup and AFC-Challenge Cup, according to Araneta.

“We’ve invited India for an Oct. 6 date while Malaysia for Oct. 9,” said Araneta, noting that a response from Malaysia is expected in the next two days.

Malaysia, which beat Indonesia in the finals on 4-2 aggregate, is the reigning Suzuki Cup champion. The tourney is the same event where the Azkals’ brush with fame started following their historic semifinals finish last year.

India, on the other hand, is the 2008 Challenge Cup champion.

India alongside the Philippines, Nepal and five other countries, will play in the finals of the 2012 edition slated this March.

Araneta said Nepal, the host of Challenge Cup finals, declined the invite because the schedule runs in conflict with the Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival of the year, which will keep the Nepalese booters busy.

Manila Bulletin

With Phil and James Younghusband out, Teknika holds clear edge

By Cedelf P. Tupas

MANILA—Teknika tries to make the most out of its manpower edge when it faces Rizal-Smart San Beda Saturday in the first leg of the PFF-Smart Club Championship Final at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
With four key players from San Beda, including brothers Phil and James Younghusband, missing the first leg because of suspension, Teknika is fancied to prevail in the 6 p.m. match.
The draw to determine which will be the home team for tonight’s duel was set late yesterday. With the home-and-away format being applied, the team with the most number of goals over the two legs will win the crown. Ties will be broken by the “away” goals rule.
Teknika advanced to the finals after a 2-0 victory over fellow NCR side Pachanga last Wednesday, a day after San Beda nipped Stallions of Iloilo, 2-1.
Paul Concepcion, the wily left winger, and Andres Gonzales, the standout performer in the win over Stallions, will also miss the first leg after incurring yellow cards for the second straight game during the semifinals.

Inquirer.net

PHL booters off to HWC Paris today

MEMBERS of the Philippine Team will be flying today to Paris, France to compete in the 2011 Homeless World Cup scheduled August 21-28, 2011.


The squad is mentored by national team head coach Rudy 'Aburudz' del Rosario and will be anchored by Negrense skipper Janrick Soriano together with feloow Talisaynon Michael Rojo, Bert Anthony Sienes (Manila Boystown), Aljhonn Loui Matulac (Estancia, Iloilo) John Celiz (Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo), Jeffrey Guelas (Leveriza, Manila), Jeffrey de Castro (Cainta, Rizal) and Ricardo Padilla (Lingayen, Pangasinan).


Del Rosario told Sun.Star-Bacolod on Tuesday that despite lack of financial support, the squad is committed to don the national color and bring honor to the country. “We are highly prepared to take the challenge against the world's best,” he said.


Meanwhile, 22-year-old skipper Soriano and teammate 26-year-old Rojo appealed to the Filipino people to pray for them as they carry the country’s pride in this prestigious event. “We ask our fellow Filipino to help us pray that we may able to win the World Cup title. We will try our best to win this tournament,” Soriano added.

Likewise, the team is also looking forward to gain another rank higher from its last year's HWC 25th over-all finish in Rio de Janero, Brazil.

“Last year we won the Host Cup trophy after we beat Norway, 4-3. Iba ang feeling pag-tinutugtog ang ating pambansang awit, lalo na at nasa ibang bansa ka,” del Rosario added.


Del Rosario also explained that more than being in the team and represent the country in HWC are the opportunities that await this young booters.


"The primary priority of HWC is to provide opportunities to these poor players. Thus, helping them doesn't end in playing in HWC but will continue until they get education and jobs like coaching," the mentor stressed. Former national team members have made positive changes in their lives such as continuing their education or obtaining steady employment as an assistant football coach in schools, said del Rosario. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on August 19, 2011.

18 August 2011

PFL takes futsal to greater heights

By Mark C. Giongco
INQUIRER.net

ANILA—The Philippine Futsal League is already a testament that futsal is one of the fastest rising sports in the country, but its organizers hope to take the league a step higher.
Founded by Iranian born coach Esmaeil Sedigh of the Philippine national team, the PFL—like any other league trying to establish its name—started from scratch before carving futsal into the local sporting world’s consciousness.
“We really had to start from somewhere before anything else,” said Sedigh, a former first division U21 football player in Iran.
“We’re (Philippines) one of the countries who have leagues for futsal, not all countries have one,” added Sedigh, who first became as an assistant coach in 2005 for the country’s national squad before being tapped as head coach two years after.
Sedigh noticed the potential of Filipinos to excel internationally in this fast-paced sport, which prompted him to conceptualize the PFL. How good can Filipinos be in the sport? The country’s men’s futsal team has risen to No. 88 in the world and Sedigh doesn’t see the climb stopping anytime soon.
“Before, we had problems scouting players. We had to go to provinces and different schools. We just had a hard time,” Sedigh recalled.
The PFL solved that problem. The league flushed players out of hiding and gave them a venue to showcase their skills. Now, nearly the entire women’s national futsal team was discovered in the PFL.

More : Inquirer.net

McMenemy to Sriwijaya ?


Former Philippines NT Coach Simon McMenemy is a candidate to take over the job as coach for Indonesian club Sriwijaya.

Bolaindo

Jakarta Casual

Younghusbands join Loyola FC- Meralco

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA—Unattached the past few years, brothers Phil and James Younghusband will finally get to play regular club football, this time in the Philippines.

The two popular members of the national team, who spent time with English Premier League club Chelsea when they were teenagers, are set to sign three-year deals with Loyola FC-Meralco in the United Football League, which starts with a UFL Cup competition in October.

“The Younghusbands see joining the UFL as a win-win situation,” a reliable source close to the Fil-British brothers said.

“Joining Loyola will allow them to play club football and also give them an opportunity to help uplift the level of football in the league.”

Phil is the national team’s current top scorer with 15 goals since debuting for the Azkals in 2006, while James has tallied four so far.

The brothers’ entry comes as another boost for the UFL, which has struck a five-year, P150-million television deal with TV5 to have its matches aired live.

The brothers are the latest members of the Azkals joining the Manila-based premier league.

Striker Angel Guirado has also linked up with Global FC, joining teammate Misagh Bahadoran, while Nate Burkey and Jason Sabio have signed with Kaya FC, where skipper Aly Borromeo and Anton del Rosario are regulars.

Defending league champion Air Force has Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta in its fold, while Army boasts of Ed Sacapano, Roel Gener and Nestorio Margarse.

Inquirer.net

Azkals get boost from Germany

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA—Two new Filipino-German players to strengthen the Azkals, a German technical director to assess the country’s football program and an experienced assistant coach for the Philippine football team bound to see action in the Southeast Asian Games.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss, who arrived two days ago from Germany, announced these developments Wednesday night even as he expressed hope of a strengthened football program for the country in cooperation with the German Football Association (DFB).

Weiss was at the Manila Polo Club Wednesday night along with several players to attend a press conference of Azkals sponsor Cortal SQR, which gave the team P500,000 for its campaign in the Long Teng Cup in Taiwan next month as well as the SEA Games in December.

Cortal also gave the Philippine Homeless World Cup team to Paris financial aid of P200,000.

Weiss said that Fil-German player Ronald Mueller, the second choice goalkeeper of German second division side Duisberg, has already agreed to join the Azkals, while another player, a striker in Kevin Ingreso, will beef up the squad next year after getting clearance from his club, Hamburg.

Weiss also revealed that the DFB is sending a technical adviser in Krautzen Ekhardt in October to make an assessment on the current state of the sport in the country, especially at the youth level.

He added that compatriot, Michael Kruger, who was part of the backroom staff of the Tunisia team that reached the World Cup in 2006, will be arriving this month to join the coaching staff for the Azkals Under-23 squad for the SEA Games.