Philippine Daily Inquirer
Even with two straight stalemates in two months against his team, Malaysian coach Ong Kim Swee believes the Philippines has improved tremendously and tips the Azkals to be a stronger contender in the AFC Challenge Cup.
Having steered Malaysia to the Southeast Asian Games title in 2011, Ong is considered one of the brightest young coaches in the region.
“The Philippines has improved tremendously,” said Ong when asked to assess the Azkals’ performance when they fought to a scoreless draw Sunday night in Cebu City.
“They got good players. If opponents are not familiar with the style it’s a team that is very difficult to beat,” added Ong.
The two teams fought to a scoreless draw despite good chances by the Azkals. Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto heroically saved Safee Sali’s penalty in stoppage time to avert a defeat to the visitors.
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I had longed said that the Azkals is a good team ever since I first saw them played in the two Suzuki Cup semi final leg against Indonesia which the team lost narrowly, and they were not a complete team as what they are almost is today.
ReplyDeleteNow Mr ONg had confirmed it and he knows a good team when he see one too. Mr Ong was Malaysia national player back then in his playing day and he is more of a tactician style in his game approach and you better believes him when he made his comments on teams.
The football grassroot program is sowed, Football is making steady progress along with formation of semi pro league, foreign players are writing in totry toply their skills, , Everything looks to be in place and the future looks bright for Philippines football development on both males and female football. I am impressed with both azkals and malditas progress specially the latter despite limitation resources but they still managed to shine despite the Sea Games setback. A setback and defeat is not a defeat ( not unless one quits ) but a positive sign that the team will be prepared, and come back stronger than before, A defeat in match help the team to put their feets firmly on the ground so that the team will not be carried away.
Never write off a defeated team cos you will be surprise that they come back even stronger the next time around. If you had played the beautiful game enough you will know what it means here ( through experience ).
What I would like to hear and see in near future is that local coaches to be sent to Europe South America etc to further enhance their coaching skills, , It will be great for the football development as well, .
Thank you