Singapore Cup Semifinal : Hougang United 1-2 Global Cebu

PFL Standings

PFL : Ceres-Negros Fc 5-0 Ilocos United

PFL

Ceres-Negros Fc vs Ilocos United

Panaad Stadium , 7 pm









Livestream link :

https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9619

PFL Stallion Laguna 2-2 Davao Aguilas

Binan Football Stadium , 4 pm

PFL : Kaya Fc Makati 2-1 Fc Meralco Manila

PFL Saturday

UMAK Stadium , 4 pm









 

https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9617

RHB SINGAPORE CUP 2017: AW CONFIDENT OF OVERCOMING GLOBAL

RHB Singapore Cup (Semi-Final, Second Leg)

Hougang United vs Global Cebu FC (PHI)

(30 September, Saturday, 7.30pm, Hougang Stadium)

Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

After seeing his side hold Global Cebu FC to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their RHB Singapore Cup 2017 semi-final clash, Hougang United head coach Philippe Aw is convinced they can emerge victorious in the return leg at Hougang Stadium on Saturday night.

It looked as though Global would run out winners after Darryl Roberts scored twice to cancel out Delwinder Singh’s opener three days ago, but Fabian Kwok’s late intervention meant the tie is finely poised going into this encounter.

“It’s disappointing that we didn’t take the lead back to Hougang Stadium but based on the first leg, I feel that we can win the second leg if we stick to our game plan,” said Aw.

“For Hougang who have not achieved a trophy before, the pressure is there and we need to learn to cope with it.”

While he was pleased the Cheetahs managed to score from two set-pieces, Aw insists cutting out mistakes will be key to their chances of reaching their first-ever final in the competition.

“We didn’t stick to the game plan and conceded goals with both goals coming from our attacking situations, we’ve worked on it but we still conceded two,” lamented the former Home United tactician.

“We were jittery at the start and didn’t play our game. We lost possession too easily although we knew Global would tire in the second half and we could take advantage.

“It’s going to be the same on Saturday. We have to be confident of ourselves, don’t open up too much and what we need is just one or two attacks to hopefully get a goal or two.

“Let’s not forget Global are a good team with quality players. They played in the AFC Cup. We want to attack them but we must also worry about the transition.”  

With Home falling 3-1 to Albirex Niigata (S) in the other semi-final, this means Hougang could potentially be the only local team to be in this year’s final should they beat The People’s Club.

It is a fact not lost on Aw and he hopes his players will rise to the occasion.

“For some of these boys, this two games are really big for them,” he noted. “An example would be (defender) Lionel (Tan) who will be enlisting into the army next week.

“When we were first drawn against Ceres-Negros FC (in the Preliminary Round), nobody gave us a chance. But look where we are now, in the semis after overcoming three foreign teams.   

“It’s good on us and we are enjoying this journey so far. It’s also a good test for myself, coaching staff and my players,

“90 mins, 120 mins or even penalties, this gives us great motivation to prepare well and be ready for Global at Hougang Stadium.”

For Global meanwhile, head coach Akbar Nawas could not hide his disappointment after coming away with only a draw.

“No, I’m not happy with the result,” the 41-year-old admitted.

“We had the chances to bring a better lead into the second leg, but we didn’t. We only had 13 players available, but I didn’t want to make excuses. If I felt sore, the feeling will seep into the players.”

Paolo Bugas came off injury in their last match, leaving Akbar with possibly just 12 players available for the second leg.

But the former Tampines Rovers head coach remains unfazed.  

“I take this very seriously, I want to be the first Singaporean coach to lead a Philippines team into the final of the Singapore Cup, so there is history to be made,” Akbar said.

“We really have to make our chances count, if we are to stand a chance of progressing into the final.”  

http://www.sleague.com/match-preview/singapore-cup/2017/september/2017-09-30/hougang-united-fc/

Defiant Maro dismisses pressure to deliver Davao's first PFL win

By Kevin Estrada

PASIG -- Davao gaffer Marlon Maro dismissed the pressures on him to deliver their first win in the PFL, something that predecessor Gary Phillips failed to do this season.

With only a point in his first two matches taking charge of the Aguilas touchline, he is confident on the quality of his team when they hit the road in Biñan to face Laguna on Saturday afternoon when they meet the press inside the House of Football.

Knowing that Ilocos United have beaten them for their first ever PFL win, Maro has blocked any negativity in order for his wards to deliver all three points.

"I don't think pressure is a thing that everybody is talking about [tomorrow's game]," the former Young Azkals tactician said, saying that he does not have any time to scout their opponents.

"I just put a lot of focus on the team. They [Davao] must come strong tomorrow," Maro added.

With the quality of his squad due to the spending spree during the window, he has one thing that he wants to find in order to barge into the winning column at last.

"Apart from always looking for quality players, the missing link for us is that of becoming of a team," Maro said afterwards, before revealing that Angel Guirado is fit tomorrow's match.

http://www.dugout.ph/2017/09/defiant-maro-dismisses-pressure-to.html

AFC U16 : Myanmar 5-0 Philippines

Hosts Myanmar ended their campaign on a high after beating Philippines 5-0 in their AFC U-16 Group H qualifier at Thuwana Stadium, Myanmar on Wednesday.  

In the first half, Myanmar went up 3-0 with goals from Kaung Khant in 11th minute, with Zaw Min Thein adding the second in 34th minute while Yan Naing Lin the third three minutes later.

After the break, Myanmar finished off with two more goals courtesy of Ye Htet Aung (59th) and Pyae Phyo Aung (81st) for a 5-0 victory.

---

Bongbong Roxy Dorlas (Philippines head coach)

“Myanmar played well today. They kept the pressure on our team. Our players did not concentrate in the first half but they could have come back in the second.”
 

Nyi Nyi Latt (Myanmar head coach)

"My players tried hard and they did their best. I'm fully satisfied with the result and their performance today."

Photo: AFC

http://www.the-afc.com/u-16-championship-2018/qualifiers-group-h-md3-korea-republic-china-myanmar-philippines

WFL - Weekend Futbol League

WFL Elite League 2017 - Matchday 11 Fixtures

Laos plays home in their attempt to keep the pressure on to Green Archers Utd. Manila Tala goes up against FC Meralco Manila to move out of the bottom of the table while Stallions Laguna B, having released a number of their players, go up against table leader Kaya FC Elite.

https://www.facebook.com/Weekend.Futbol/?fref=gs&hc_location=group_dialog

Saturday
Laos Fc 0-7 Green Archers United

Padernal says Marikina's Oct. 22 legit home game likely

By Ivan Saldajeno

BIÑAN—After having to settle for ground-sharing agreements with Stallion Laguna and Meralco Manila for its home games, JPV Marikina is set to finally play at its "Camp Big Falcon".

"The plan is to play there on Oct. 22," Coach Dan Padernal bared to Dugout Philippines the day when Marikina will finally play a home game at the Marikina Sports Park. "The field is ready. The grass and quarters are OK already."

Meanwhile, he bared that the lights are what hinders the club from playing in Marikina, but he also said that his team is already working on it.

"Our bosses will buy lighting. The game is from 4-6 p.m. At six o'clock, it's already dark," Padernal further said.

While he clarified that the date is not yet finalized, he is optimistic that Marikina's first legit home match will happen as scheduled.

"Sa nakikita ko, kaya [nang maglaro doon sa Oct. 22]," he said.

Marikina had to borrow Laguna's Biñan Football Stadium anew for its home game against Ilocos with the Marikina Sports Park reserved for the South Luzon leg of the Milo Little Olympics.

http://www.dugout.ph/2017/09/padernal-says-marikinas-oct-22-legit-home-game-likely.html

PFL Saturday

MATCHWEEK!

These are your PFL games for Matchday #17, September 30.

The afternoon starts an NCR derby as the boys from Manila visit Kaya in UMAK, while Stallion host Davao Aguilas in Laguna. The day is capped off with Ilocos United visiting Panaad to take on Ceres Negros for our lone evening kickoff. Can they pull off another surprise and take points off the Busmen?

Which game will you be watching?

Look out for the livestreams on mycujoo:

Kaya FC Makati v FC Meralco Manila (KICKOFF 4PM)
https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9617

Stallion Laguna FC v Davao Aguilas FC (KICKOFF 4PM)
https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9612

Ceres Negros v Ilocos United FC (KICKOFF 7PM)
https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9619

AFC U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 QUALIFIERS GROUP H: PHILIPPINES 0-2 CHINA

China PR scored a second successive win in their bid to qualify for the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Malaysia after beating the Philippines 2-0 in a Group H tie at the Thuwanna Stadium on Wednesday. 

China PR, who had opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over hosts Myanmar on Monday, could have won by a wider margin if not for several spurned chances.

Their superior technique and physique made it difficult for the Philippines and China, after several close chances, opened the scoring through  midfielder Zhang Xingliang in the 39th minute.

China adopted a more aggressive approach in the second half but the Philippines, beaten 8-0 by Korea Republic on Monday, defended stoutly.

The Philippines even had several chances to level the score but their resistance was finally broken in the 89th minute when substitute Pan Yusheng scored China’s second.

---

Liu Junwei (China head coach)

"Our team created chances but we missed many. Our players are inexperienced and they need to play more international competitions.  The next match is important if we want to qualify. Although Korea Republic scored many goals against the Philippines, we'll be looking for the best result."

Bongbong Roxy Dorlas (Philippines head coach)

"I believe we could have beaten China PR today. We blocked many of their attempts and our counter attacks were also working well. Unfortunately, we couldn’t score despite having several chances.” 

Photos: AFC

http://www.the-afc.com/u-16-championship-2018/qualifiers-group-h-md2-philippines-china-myanmar-korea-republic

RHB SINGAPORE CUP 2017: GLOBAL HELD BY CHEETAHS

Written by: Ryan Low

A Fabian Kwok stunner five minutes from time salvaged a 2-2 draw for Hougang United against Philippines invitee Global Cebu in the first leg of the RHB Singapore Cup semi-final tie at Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday night.

It looked like Global would run out winners after Darryl Roberts scored twice to cancel out Delwinder Singh’s opener, but Kwok’s late intervention meant the tie is finely poised going into Saturday’s second leg at Hougang Stadium.

Hougang could have gone a goal down on 18 minutes, but goalkeeper Khairulhin Khalid did well to close down Dennis Villaneuva in the box.

The 26-year-old was at it again nine minutes later to deny Roberts after the latter was put through on goal by Paolo Salenga’s cross.

The Cheetahs then countered straightaway with Fareez Farhan’s header from Fumiya Kogure’s cross bringing out an acrobatic save from Global keeper Patrick Deyto.

From the resulting corner, Zulfahmi Arifin found Delwinder at the back post and the latter glanced home to put Hougang 1-0 up on 28 minutes.

However, Global would hit right back five minutes later. Roberts strode into Salenga’s through ball before finishing inside Khairulhin’s near post to restore parity.

Hougang could have retaken the lead early in the second half when Kogure exchanged passes well with Nazrul Nazari in the box, but the skipper fired well wide with his weaker left foot.

Global would duly go 2-1 up in the 68th minute, with Roberts bundling home the rebound after his earlier header off a right-wing across was parried by Khairulhin.

Hougang head coach Phillipe Aw then threw on Nurhilmi Jasni and towering Spanish forward Pablo Rodriguez for the final 15 minutes, with the duo creating much problems for the Global defence.

The Cheetahs’ pressure paid off on 85 minutes, with Kwok lashing home a superb left-footed drive from the edge of the box after the Global backline failed to clear their lines from a Zulfahmi cross.

It was a grandstand finish to the game, with both sides spurning chances to win the game.

For Hougang, Kogure poked wide from Nurhilmi’s cross before Rodriguez headed over from Nazrul’s cross.

Global had the last chance of the game deep into injury time when Paul Mulders put Villanueva through on goal, but the latter somehow fired off target.

It eventually finished 2-2 with both sides facing off again three nights later.

Global Cebu Head Coach Akbar Nawas: “No, I’m not happy with the result. We had the chances to bring a better lead into the second leg, but we didn’t. We only had 13 players available, but I didn’t want to make excuses. If I felt sore, the feeling will seep into the players.

“I take this very seriously, I want to be in the final again (after leading Tampines Rovers to last year’s final). I want to be the first Singaporean coach to lead a Philippines team into the final of the Singapore Cup, so there is history to be made.”

Hougang United Head Coach Philippe Aw: “It’s disappointing that we didn’t take the lead back to Hougang Stadium. We didn’t stick to the game plan, we conceded goals. Both goals came from our attacking situations, we’ve worked on it but we still conceded two.

“Based on this game, I feel that we can win the second leg if we stick to our game plan. For Hougang who have not achieved a trophy before, the pressure is there and we need to learn to cope with it.”

Global Cebu: Patrick Deyto (GK, C), Serge Kaole, Paul Mulders, Dennis Villanueva, Paolo Bugas (Marvin Bricenio 71’), Jerry Barbaso, Hikaru Minegishi, Darryl Roberts, Paolo Salenga, Marco Casambre, Wesley Dos Santos

 Hougang United: Khairulhin Khalid (GK), Lionel Tan, Atsushi Shirota, Delwinder Singh, Nazrul Nazari, Zulfahmi Arifin, Fabian Kwok, Faiz Salleh, Fareez Farhan (Nurhilmi Jasni 75’), Iqbal Hussain (Pablo Rodriguez 82’), Fumiya Kogure (C)

http://www.sleague.com/match-report/singapore-cup/2017/september/2017-09-27/global-cebu-fc/

Singapore Cup : Global Cebu 2-2 Hougang United

Singapore Cup


Semifinals First Leg





Second Leg on Saturday

Azkals updates

AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

October 10 in Doha, Qatar

Yemen vs Philippines 

Foreign based players for Asian Cup Qualifiers against Yemen in Qatar : Neil Etheridge Daisuke Sato Harry Föll Stephan Palla Mike Ott

New call-ups for Azkals against Yemen : Jesus Melizza (Stallion Laguna) Sean Kane (JPV Marikina)

Injured players not available for Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen : Misagh Bahadoran Amani Aguinaldo Luke Woodland Javier Patino

https://twitter.com/filipinofootbal

No friendlies . The National team will have a training camp in Qatar from October 3

AFC U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 QUALIFIERS GROUP H: KOREA REPUBLIC 8-0 PHILIPPINES

Yangon: Korea Republic hardly put a foot wrong as they beat the Philippines 8-0 to open their AFC U-16 Championship Group H qualifier on a resounding note at the Thuwanna Stadium in Yangon on Monday. 

The Philippines tried but there was little they could do to stop Korea Republic, who took the lead in the 11th minute through striker Kim Dong-hyeon.

Defender Lee Tae-seok made it 2-0 in the 27th minute and Philippines goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang was easily the most overworked player on the pitch.

Substitute striker Jeong Sang-bin added to the Philippines misery with a hat-trick in the 73rd, 85th and 89th minutes.

Midfielder Park Se-jun scored twice (67th, 74th) and Paik Sang-hoon  (65th)  completed a superb showing by Korea Republic

---

Kim Jung Soo (Korea Republic Head Coach)
"Even though we got the victory with an 8-0 result, I'm not satisfied my team's performance. My players couldn't play well in first half. The weather and stadium pitch were a challenge for my players. Thankfully, the substitutes created the goals in the second half. We’ll face Myanmar in the next game. I know this game will be difficult for us but our target is to win each game and we'll focus for victory."

Bongbong Roxy Dorlas (Philippines Head Coach)
"Our players played well in the first half, but Korea Republic broke our spirit in the second half. Our main weakness was fitness. AFC competition are of very high standard and every team is strong but we'll keep try our best." 

http://www.the-afc.com/u-16-championship-2018/qualifiers-group-h-md1-korea-republic-philippines-china-myanmar

Philippine U16 Boys Team Begin AFC U16 Campaign

The Philippine Under-16 Boys National Team begin their AFC Under-16 Championship 2018 Qualifiers campaign today 25 September 2017 at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

The team arrived in Yangon last Saturday 23 September ahead of the tournament and is in Group H along with Korea Republic, China PR, and host Myanmar.

The tournament will run from 25-29 September with the top team and the best second placed team advancing to the final round next year in Malaysia which also serve as qualifiers for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2019.

Players:

1. AMAIKURUT, Amir Andre – 23 December 2012, Tacurong City
2. BASMAYOR, Juan Miguel – 10 March 2002, Muntinlupa City
3. BUMATAY, Kristian Harald – 02 May 2002, Quezon City
4. BUYCO, Luis Joaquin – 02 May 2002, Bacolod City
5. CARO, Leland Raphael – 31 May 2003, Pasay City
6. DE MESA, Miguel – 22 May 2002, Mandaluyong City
7. EMERY, Karl James – 23 March 2002, Calamba City
8. FERRER, Yuki John – 12 July 2002, Janiuay, Iloilo
9. FLORES, Jethro – 29 March 2003, Los Baños, Laguna
10. GO, Jacob Christopher – 06 June 2002, United States
11. GRESENS, Oliver Gerhard – 07 October 2002, Muntinlupa City
12. LIM, Lorenzo Iñigo – 26 June 2002, Cebu City
13. MANGAOANG, Enrico Marquell – 29 May 2002, Mandaluyong City
14. MEER, Emmanuel – 18 March 2002, Makati City
15. MEER, Enrique – 18 March 2002, Makati City
16. MOLINA, Jiannecel – 25 April 2002, Parañaque City
17. PEDERNAL, Jacob Joaquin – 31 January 2002, Mandaluyong City
18. PEÑA, Jacob Agustin IV – 27 November 2002, Muntinlupa City
19. ROXAS, Matteo Lorenzo – 10 December 2002, Munitnlupa City
20. SAN JOSE, Nicolai Art – 26 August 2002, Calamba, Laguna
21. SIMONS, Elijah Wade – 26 August 2002, United States
22. UY, Timothy Dalton – 05 October 2002, Quezon City
23. WINTER, William Michael – 07 January 2002, Mandaluyong City

The Philippines Boys U16 coaching staff is headed by former national team player Coach Bongbong Roxy Dorlas and assisted by Christopher Pedimonte, Christian Salanguit, and Mark Anthony Francisco.

“It’s a great opportunity ever since I started in coaching. It’s always a dream for me to eventually to handle a national team and this is a great opportunity to coach the youth players who will eventually be Azkals players,” said Dorlas.

The team is composed of 10 players from the Emelio Caligdong coached AFF Under-15 team and 13 others, who were chosen after tryouts. The team had a training camp in the University of Los Baños from 13-27 August and in Manila from 3-21 September.

Schedule:

25 September 2017 – 3:00 PM local time (4:30 PM Manila time)
Korea Republic vs Philippines

27 September 2017 – 3:00 PM local time (4:30 PM Manila time)
Philippines vs China PR

29 September 2017 – 6:00 PM local time (7:30 PM Manila time)
Myanmar vs Philippines

Post navigation

http://pff.org.ph/2017/09/25/philippine-u16-boys-team-begin-afc-u16-campaign/

Junior Azkals face SoKors in AFC U16 qualifers

The Philippine Under-16 football team is optimistic but wants to remain realistic of its chances in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-16 Championship 2018 qualifying stage.

Setting their qualification campaign into motion, the junior Filipino booters tackle South Korea on Monday at 4:30 p.m. (Manila time) at the Thuwunna Youth Training Centre Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

Head coach Roxy Dorlas, who is on his first stint as mentor of a national team, is hopeful of an all-out effort from his young Azkals.

“As a coach and as a player before, we always want to have results and good performance. With the mentality and the attitude of the players that we have, their desire of winning is very high,” Dorlas, who was a former Philippine Azkal, told The Manila Times.

Team skipper Juan Miguel Basmayor shares the same confidence heading into the qualifying phase of the biennial youth football tournament.

“Based on the national teams that I joined in the past few years, I think this is the best team that I had. I believe that this team would go further than the other teams that I’ve joined,” said Basmayor, a junior booter from De La Salle Zobel.

However, the Philippines is set to battle it out with powerhouse teams South Korea, China and Myanmar in Group H for the lone sure spot to the main stage.

“It’s a very tough group… We can expect high-quality football. That’s why we’re trying to be realistic. We target to have a good performance,” said Dorlas.

Having to face strong oppositions, the 30-year old Dutch-Filipino coach has a constant reminder for his junior booters.

“I keep reminding them that they are a group of talented football players. We just stay positive and keep encouraging each other that we have a chance,” said Dorlas.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

http://www.manilatimes.net/junior-azkals-face-sokors-afc-u16-qualifers/352551/

Azkals updates

No friendly scheduled for Azkals before Asian Cup qualifying match against Yemen in Qatar on October 10.

Azkals will have a training camp in Doha from October 3.

Amani Aguinaldo , Misagh Bahadoran and Luke Woodland are all injured and doubtful for the match.

PFL Standlings Updated

PFL Sunday : Ceres-Negros Fc 1-0 Global Cebu FT

Official Livestream :

https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9261

AFC U16 Championship Qualifiers in Myanmar

Hundred plus teams join Cong. Fred Siao bootfest

MORE than a hundred teams have entered in the 2nd Congressman Freddie Siao Football Festival at the Ludo Football Field in Barangay Santiago, Iligan City. Sixty seven teams saw action yesterday in U10, U12, U14, U17, and Ladies Open categories yesterday while the same number of teams are also expected to join today in the Men’s Open and 35 above categories. No less than the lone representative of Iligan City in the Philippine Congress, Frederick Siao officially kicked off the festival with the president of the organizing club Amorseco FC, Ritchie Nuenay. The tournament is in line with Iligan’s 2017 Diyandi Festival to celebrate the feast of Iligan’s Patron St. Michael Archangel. The two-day open competition is also a project of the Iligan City government, the 2017 Diyandi Executive Management Board, City Tourism, and the City Sports office.

Teams from as far as Ginggoog City, Lanao del Norte, Lanao Del Sur, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, El Salvador City, are competing in the tournament. Trophies and medals were given to the winners in the 10 Under (2007) and 12 Under (2005) categories while cash prizes, trophies and medals will be given to the winners in the 17 Under (2000), Ladies Open, Men’s Open and Men’s 35 Above categories. Today’s Results: Ladies Open Champ FC 95 B 1st Runner-Up ICFC - A 2nd Runner-Up PJFC (Pagadian) Boys 17 Champ - CMU - A Kids 1st Runner-Up GA FC - A 2nd Runner-Up Kidchester U 10 Champ OLLES - A (camp philips ES) 1ST RUNNER-Up Fames (FC Baroy) 2nd Runner-Up OLLES B


Read more: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/sports/2017/09/24/hundred-plus-teams-join-cong-fred-siao-bootfest-565775

PFL : FC Meralco Manila 2-0 Davao Aguilas

PFL : Kaya Fc Makati 4-0 Stallion Laguna

PFL : JPV Marikina 1-2 Ilocos United

JPV Marikina vs Ilocos United

Start 4 pm
Binan Football Stadium





JPV Marikina starting XI: Otomo, Espinosa, Odawara, Angeles, Shimono, Belgira, Fadrigalan, Yanagawa, Kane, Mahmoud, Gasic

Substitutes: Tripulca, Basa, Elnar, Canedo, Baguioro, Celiz, Cutamora

New format for AFF Suzuki Cup 2018

 BALI (23 Sept 2017) – A new format for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 was announced today following the 12th Council Meeting of the AFF that was held this morning in Bali.

Unlike previous editions where teams are based in two countries after being divided into two groups, this time round teams will play in a home and away basis.

Ten teams will still be divided into two groups but now they will play two matches at home and two matches on the road – depending on the outcome of the official draw.

In accordance with the latest rankings after the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup, Timor Leste and Brunei will have to play in a qualifier – also home and away games.

The date of the two games will be on 3-11 September 2018 which is a FIFA calendar week.

The winner will then join the remaining nine teams to make two groups of five teams each.

Australia are not participating in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

The dates for the final round of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 will be on 8 November to 15 December 2018.

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/2017/09/new-format-aff-suzuki-cup-2018/

Iligan City - Football Festival

Documentary about Azkal Simone Rota set for premiere

After three years of interviews, research, and filming, the documentary “Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story,”  will be unveiled at the Cine Europa 2017 Film Festival on Sunday, September 24, 2017.

This documentary made by Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga tells the inspiring tale of footballer Simone Rota who was born in the Philippines and was adopted by an Italian couple when he was a baby. 

As a little boy growing up in Milan, Italy, Simone learned to play football. His hard work and prowess earned him a place in an Italian professional football club. Simone later gave up his life in Italy to return to Philippines and play for Filipino clubs (Stallions FC and Ceres FC) and the Azkals, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team. His main reason for staying in the Philippines is to play football and to search for his biological mother.

“Journeyman” chronicles how the sport changed Simone’s life and led him to his roots.  

“Dreams do come true!” declares Simone who currently plays for Davao Aguilas FC. “I want to say a big thank you to everyone who made this project possible…I hope that the movie will be an inspiration.”

The sports documentary is the first venture directed by Albert Almendralejo who produced the football-themed docus “Little Azkals” and “Pangarap Kong World Cup,” and the feature films “Tumbang Preso” and “Bakal Boys.” Albert says that he was motivated to tell Simone’s story because it offers hope amid difficult times. “I have worked closely with him in promoting grassroots football " Albert says of Simone.  “and his life truly embodies determination in spite of the odds.” 

The version to be shown at Cine Europa 2017 is still a work-in-progress but very much presents the subject’s heart and soul. The docu, which was shot in Italy and the Philippines, includes interviews with Simone’s adoptive parents Maurizio and Marilena, Davao Aguilas FC teammates Phil and James Younghusband, and Sister May and Mother Flora (who were the nuns that took care of Simone as a baby).

“Journeyman” also shows the athlete’s more private side, such as his volunteer work at Buklod Kalinga, the orphanage where Simone was left as a baby by a young woman. 

“Journeyman Finds a Home: The Simone Rota Story,” is produced by SPEARS Films and Luna Studios. It is co directed by Maricel Cariaga, whose film "Seven Sacks of Rice" won recently the grand prize in the Aichi Women's International Film Festival. Award-winning screenwriter Clodualdo "Doy" del Mundo is the creative producer. The September 24 screening is part of the educational component of Cine Europa, the annual film festival of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, and is presented by the Philippine Italian Association (PIA), Shangri-La Cineplex, Davao Aguilas FC, and Puma. Theatrical release is being planned for December 2017.

http://sports.abs-cbn.com/football/news/2017/09/22/documentary-azkal-simone-rota-set-premiere-31249

PFL Weekend

All eight PFL teams seeing action this weekend-

Can Ilocos United finally notch a win against JPV Marikina? Kaya FC hosts a steady Stallion Laguna in UMAK, while the Younghusband brothers revisit Rizal Memorial Stadium with the Aguilas to face their former club FC Meralco Manila to round off Saturday.

On Sunday, it's another Visayan affair as Ceres Negros host Global Cebu in Bacolod.

Look out for the games on livestream on these links:

SATURDAY, SEP 23

JPV v ILOCOS https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9257 (KO 4:00PM)

KAYA v STALLION https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9253 (KO 4:00PM)

FC MERALCO v DAVAO https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9258 (KO 7:00PM)

SUNDAY, SEP 24

CERES v GLOBAL https://mycujoo.tv/philippine-football-federation?id=9261 (KO 4:00PM)