FACING a new challenge now that the country attempts for an international sporting breakthrough, a chance to play for the World Cup, the Azkals’ training has been raised to the next level to improve players’ speed, endurance and footwork.
But on its second week of training for the World Cup Qualifiers, members of the Philippine National Football team still have so many football-related commitments that in a way distract them from their ongoing practices.
Azkals striker Emilio “Chieffy” Caligdong admitted that at this stage, they find it hard to completely focus on training because they have to attend to other commitments.
“Hindi maiwasan na minsan hindi kami makumpleto kasi we are also tied up with other activities,” Caligdong said.
Caligdong missed training sessions yesterday to grace the opening of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Youth Olympics at the Mactan Air Base. (See separate story) Caligdong serves in the Special Division of the PAF and he was required to attend.
However, Caligdong said he and the other players will get back on track next month, in days nearing the event.
Currently, the trainings are scheduled twice at day 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday at Alabang and Rizal Stadiums. If the drills and the frequency of the trainings are not enough, the hot weather this summer is even adding to the challenge.
“Trainings are hard but ganyan talaga pag Azkals. Dapat i-challenge naming ang sarili namin sa mga trainings,” said Caligdong.
The team will go around Visayas for a series of games and recreational trainings.
They will be in Tacloban on May 21-22. They will then fly to Iloilo for a friendly game against a Korean team before heading to Cebu for a six-day team bonding.
There will be a more intense training camp in Germany on June 12 before they leave for Sri Lanka for the away match of the first round of the World Cup Qualifying stage on June 29.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on May 18, 2011.
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