Friendlies vs top teams spice up Azkals UAE buildup

By Olmin Leyba


A Philippine Azkals crew cramming to get into shape and achieve cohesion for its upcoming AFC Challenge Cup campaign hopes to make the most out of its Middle East training camp.

The Azkals leave for the UAE tonight via Emirates for their 10-day camp, cranking up their buildup for the March 8-19 Challenge Cup in Nepal away from the many distractions in Manila and temporarily free from their club commitments.

Highlight of the training are friendlies against Uzbekistan’s Olympic team on Saturday night at Maktoum Stadium Al Nasr Sports Club in Dubai; against Qatari first division side Al Ahli Sports Club Monday night in Doha; and against Qantas Australian U-23 on Thursday also at the Maktoum Stadium Al Nasr Sports Club in Dubai.

“It’s super-fantastic for us (to play these teams),” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity, regardless of the results. I always did it wherever I was in – China, Africa. With the younger ones, you need to face stronger oppositions, then you’ll grow as a team and then you’ll be ready for the Challenge Cup, even without the professional players,” he added.

According to the organizers, Phl XI will bring 18 players, led by Fil-British Phil and James Younghusband and Rob Gier, Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado and Carli de Murga, and two new recruits, Guirado’s older brother Luis and Fil-German Denis Wolf.

Chieffy Caligdong is in the roster after getting clearance from sports specialists who examined his injured knee again over the weekend. Doctors and team officials are optimistic Caligdong will heal and be ready in time for the Challenge Cup.


philstar