Azkals to hold camp in Bacolod, match at the Panaad not for free

Negrenses will once again have the chance to see the Philippine National Men’s Football Team Azkals play at the Panaad Stadium on September 13, but the Philippine Football Federation announced that the game will not be for free.

To support its various thrusts in strengthening football development in the country, the PFF will sell tickets to the Azkals versus Suzuki Cup Under 23 champion Ceres Negros Team, priced at P200, P100, and P50, the Provincial Sports Office said.

The Azkals are scheduled to arrive in Bacolod on September 8 and will hold camp until September 15 to scout for new breed of players who will be included in the team.

Under the supervision of coach Hans Michael Weiss, the Azkals camp in Bacolod City is intended to boost the national team’s chances in international competitions, especially in the South East Asian Games in Indonesia this November.

Confirming the arrival of the Azkals this week, Angel “Nonong” Verdeflor, Executive Assistant for Sports, said the team will is scheduled to hold tune-up games against the Korean-reinforced Central Philippine University squad from Iloilo on September 9, and against Global Manila on September 11. The tune-up games will be open to the public for free.

Verdeflor said that before the Azkals vs. Ceres – Negros U23 match on September 13, Real Negrense Football Club and Bacolod United will clash in the preliminaries.

Meanwhile, Azkals co-captain Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong, expressed his appreciation to the city government of Talisay for inviting him to the opening of its Football Festival, Saturday.

In his message during the opening of the 7-a-side bootfest, Caligdong encouraged the players to remain dedicated in pursuing excellence in football.

He also thanked the Negrenses for their overwhelming support for the Azkals, stressing that they will continue to do their best to make the country proud of the national team.*NAB

Visayan Daily Star