28 FEB ADVISORY: CERES NEGROS VS STALLION LAGUNA TIFF RESCHEDULED

The scheduled match between reigning champions Ceres Negros FC and Stallion Laguna FC on 3 March 2018 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod has been rescheduled to 27 June 2018.

Both clubs have agreed to the rescheduling of their opening match of the season with the club from Laguna as the requesting party, citing unavoidable concerns for the said match.

Consequently, the said meeting between the two clubs will still be held at the home turf of the Busmen on the new date.

Meanwhile, Stallion Laguna will be playing their debut match for the second season of the country’s premier football league on 11 March 2018 against JPV Marikina FC at the Binan Football Stadium.

Ceres Negros are scheduled to start their title defense with a clash against fellow Visayas-based club Kaya FC-Iloilo on 4 April 2018 in front of their home crowd in Bacolod.

http://philippinesfootballleague.com/2018/02/28/advisory-ceres-negros-vs-stallion-laguna-tiff-rescheduled/

AFC Cup : Global Cebu 1-1 Bali United

Rizal Memorial Stadium , 7.30 pm


Live on Fox Sports 2

AFC Cup : Home United 1-1 Ceres-Negros fc

Jalan Besar Stadium


Start 7.30 pm


Live On Fox sports

Ceres and Global trek back to AFC Cup action

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

LOCAL sides Ceres-Negros FC and Global Cebu FC return to 2018 AFC Cup action today coming from different directions.

Ceres takes on Home United FC in a Group F match in Singapore fresh from a 9-0 victory over Boeung Ket Angkor of Cambodia last time around while Global faces off with Bali United FC at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Group G looking to bounce back from its 1-0 loss to FLC Than Hoa FC of Vietnam in its group opener previously.

Both matches are set for 7:30 p.m.

Bacolod-based Ceres had a great start to its AFC Cup group play campaign at its home field of Panaad Park and Football Stadium on Feb. 13, pounding on Boeung Ket Angkor.

Forward Takumi Uesato and midfielders Bienvenido Maranon and OJ Porteria had a brace each in the rout with defender Carli de Murga and substitute Manny Ott adding a goal each. An own goal from Boeung Ket defender Sun Sovanrithy completed the shutout for the Philippine-based side.

The defending ASEAN Zone winner Ceres, and the inaugural Philippines Football League champion, said the victory was a testament to how far it has come as a club not only on local shores but also international.

It went on to say that it has been steadily building up its team and that it is well aware that the competition is viewing it keenly no longer as an underdog but straight up a contender.

“We are no longer underdogs in this campaign. Everybody is aware of us and we have to be aware of that and be ready,” said Ceres midfielder Stephan Schrock following their 9-0 victory.

He added that their mind-set has always been to go for the win each time and that would not change the rest of the way.

But while Ceres had its way in its last match, local football analyst Lorenzo Del Carmen does not expect such an easy time for the team this time around, saying it could be “trickier.”

“We can’t be quite sure. Each game will be different. Their next game away at Home United will prove trickier than this one,” said Mr. Del Carmen, who writes for local site Tiebreaker Times, when asked by BusinessWorld for his thoughts.

“They simply outmatched Boeung Ket. The away side had no idea how to defend against Ceres’ attacking football and were simply punished,” he added.

Ceres’ opponent today, Home United, is coming off a victory of its own, 1-0, over Shan United FC of Myanmar and is attempting to get the better of Ceres for solo leadership in its grouping.

GLOBAL FC
On the part of Global, it looks to redeem itself after being victimized late in its game against FLC Than Hoa in Hanoi on Feb. 10.

The team competed well three-fourths of the way only to see its efforts go crashing down when Senegalese forward Pape Omar Faye scored the marginal goal for the home team at the 74thminute.

Global tried to regroup after and angled to salvage a draw at least but just could not complete it en route to slumping to the loss.

It will face a Bali United team reeling from a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Yangon United FC in its last game.

http://bworldonline.com/ceres-global-trek-back-afc-cup-action/

PFF Advisory: Philippines Vs Tajikistan Ticket Details

Tickets for the final AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers match between the Philippines and Tajikistan on 27 March 2018 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila is now on sale at all SM Tickets outlets.

As the competition is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the AFC Stadium Regulations are enforced for the match. In accordance with Article 38.1 of the regulations: “All spectators shall be seated. Their seats shall be individual and separated, affixed to the structure (e.g. the floor) and comfortably shaped, with backrests to provide support.”

In compliance with the AFC regulations, the bleachers area of the stadium will not be used and/or sold.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Grandstand only: AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers – Philippines vs Tajikistan
Category 1 – P300
Category 2 – P200
Category 3 – P100

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) invites all football fans and stakeholders to watch the Philippine Men’s National Team as they fight to clinch a spot in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

Atty. Edwin Gastanes
General Secretary

http://pff.org.ph/2018/02/26/pff-advisory-philippines-vs-tajikistan-ticket-details/

PFF Advisory: Ticket Details For Philippines Vs Fiji Match

Tickets for the International Friendly Match between the Philippines and Fiji on 22 March 2018 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila is now on sale at all SM Tickets outlets.

Ticket prices are as follow:

International Friendly Match – Philippines vs Fiji

Category 1 (Grandstand) – P200
Category 2 (Grandstand) – P100
Category 3 (Bleachers free seating) – P50

Football fans and stakeholders are invited to watch this tune-up match and support the Philippines team.

Atty. Edwin Gastanes
PFF General Secretary

http://pff.org.ph/2018/02/26/pff-advisory-ticket-details-philippines-vs-fiji-match/

Philippines Women's NT friendlies

The #PWNT won their tuneup 1-0 against California State University, Northridge yesterday.

Chandler McDaniel scored on assist from Sarina Bolden

Here's the rest of their scheduled games stateside:

February 26 vs Long Beach State University (7:30 PM at George Allen Field)

February 27 vs California Baptist University (3:30 PM at Lancer Soccer Field)

March 1 vs University of California San Diego (TBD at Triton Soccer Stadium)

March 2 vs University of San Diego (6:00 PM at Torero Stadium)

https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasWNFT/photos/a.563068297071448.1073741846.561192770592334/1847629085282023/?type=3&theater

CERES-NEGROS TO PLAY BACK-TO-BACK HOME MATCHES THIS MARCH

Ceres-Negros FC is set to play two home games next month with its opening match in the Philippines Football League and the third group stage match in the AFC cup.

The Busmen will start the defense of the PFL title when they play a reinforced Stallion Laguna on March 3 and host Myanmar’s Shan United on March 6.

Stallion, who has made several key acquisitions in the off season, will be keen on replicating their victory in their final PFL game last year while Shan will be aiming to exact revenge after their home defeat in the AFC Champions League last January.

The Negros squad will end February with the top of the table clash versus Home United in Singapore on February 27 before returning to Bacolod for the consecutive matches in Panaad.

http://ceresfootball.com/ceres-negros-to-play-back-to-back-home-matches-this-march/

Sara Castaneda sits out 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup

By

 Lorenzo del Carmen 

After 15 long years, the Philippines is set to return to Asia’s premier women’s football competition – the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

One player who will not be in the plane to Jordan, though, is De La Salle University Lady Archers midfielder Sara Castaneda.

Castaneda, who was awarded best midfielder in UAAP Seasons 78 and 79, shared with Tiebreaker Times her omission from the lineup that will compete in the competition that will also serve as the qualifiers for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I’ll just wish them luck in the tournament. They took me out.

“Individually they are all pretty good. They all have the skills,” commented the soft-spoken Philippine international player who recently returned with her younger sister Anicka from the United States of America.

Without a doubt, there will be some eyebrows raised with Castaneda’s absence from the team. The De La Salle Zobel alumna played a key role in the qualifiers held at Tajikistan in April 2017 where she scored four goals, one of which was the leveler against Bahrain that sealed the Philippines’ return to the Asian Cup.

In fact, the Asian Football Confederation’s official website released a story that hyped up Castaneda in the upcoming competition.

A 21-year-old midfielder, Castañeda played a crucial role in the Malditas’ qualification for Jordan 2018, scoring in four consecutive matches including the crucial late equalizer against Bahrain which finally ended the Southeast Asian nation’s 15-year AFC Women’s Asian Cup absence. Castañeda capped a superb 2017 by being crowned the PFF Women’s League’s Most Valuable Player.”

When reached for comment, Project Jordan technical manager Ernest Nierras has this to say about the situation, “Who scored the winning goal in the finals of the last FIFA world cup in Brazil? If you do not remember it was Mario Gotze. Will he be part of the German team in 2018? Shouldn’t he (be in the lineup) since he scored the winning goal that made Germany the 2014 World Cup champions?

“Do you think ‘murmurs of dissent’ will be heard if Gotze won’t be include on the 2018 roster? It is not a fair question and a precipitous assumption right? Players are selected, in our case, based on their commitment and performance during camps.

“The head coach (Richard Boon) established conditions as well as rules and regulations for camp participants. Some conditions were set by the head coach to help a player improve her performance, thus improving her chance to make the team. If a player cannot commit to such conditions then it will be undeserved to https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/sara-castaneda-sits-2018-afc-womens-asian-cup/109957 her above the other who performed better and can comply,” added Nierras.

The turn of events may come as a surprise to those who follow the PWNT’s exploits. Nevertheless, Castaneda has already played her part for flag and country with her performance in the 2017 qualifiers. All eyes are now on Boon’s squad as they set out to bring the Philippines to the World Cup for the first time in history.

https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/sara-castaneda-sits-2018-afc-womens-asian-cup/109957

The Azkals Town Hall - One Team

PFF Appoints Rabah Benlarbi As Philippines WNT Assistant Coach

The Philippine Football Federation has appointed French coach Rabah Benlarbi as Assistant Coach of the Philippine Women’s National Team that will compete in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018.

The French coach had a lengthy playing career having suited for Paris Saint-Germain and RC Lens in France’s Ligue 1 before embarking on a more storied coaching role.

Benlarbi served as assistant coach for the Women’s National Team of China PR during the Rio 2016 Olympics, Italian side Juventus FC, the United Arab Emirates Men’s National Team, and the Japan Men’s National Team. He also served as head coach of the Myanmar Under-18 team that finished fourth place in the AFF Under-18 Championships in 2017.

Benlarbi holds a UEFA ‘A’ and UEFA Youth Elite ‘A’ Coaching License as well as a Master’s Degree in Soccer Strength and Conditioning.

“We welcome Coach Rabah Benlarbi to the Philippine Women’s National Team,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “His international coaching experience and vast knowledge in players’ fitness and conditioning will help our Women’s team in their preparation for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018.”

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 kicks off on 6 April 2018. The Philippines are in Group A together with China PR, Jordan, and Thailand.

Photo from Rabah Benlarbi

http://pff.org.ph/2018/02/22/pff-appoints-rabah-benlarbi-philippines-wnt-assistant-coach/

PFL 2018 Fixtures

PFL 2018 Fixtures !
March 3 Ceres-Negros vs Stallion Laguna at Panaad , Bacolod JPV Marikina vs Global Cebu March 4 Davao Aguilas vs Kaya Fc

Fixtures :



http://philippinesfootballleague.com/fixtures/

22 FEB PHILIPPINES FOOTBALL LEAGUE (PFL) PARTNERS SPORTRADAR FOR MULTIYEAR DATA, OTT AND INTEGRITY SERVICES

Manila, Philippines] With the second season of the Philippines Football League (PFL) kicking off at the start of March, the PFL today agreed on a multi-year partnership with Sportradar—a global leader in the sports data, media and integrity space—announcing the company as their official and exclusive global audio-visual and data distribution, as well as integrity services partner.

Kicking off with a signing ceremony at the Marco Polo Ortigas, the strategic partnership will enable the PFL to create its own video and streaming platform built using Sportradar’s OTT (Over-The-Top) solution. Fully customizable and scalable, this OTT platform will integrate high-quality video streaming and content, with highly engaging and visualized statistical data viewable across all mobile devices, desktops and smart TVs. The PFL will be able to commercialize the platform through advertising, sponsorships, subscription or pay-per-view opportunities for ‘live’ matches. Aimed at developing the league’s following, the content will be available through all platforms 24/7 for fans and audiences across the Philippines, as well as around the world.

Integral to the partnership is the integrity services that Sportradar will provide to the PFL. The campaign logo and tagline Integrity Always was officially presented by the PFL and Sportradar to members of the attending media and stakeholders, and will be used for outreach programs both internally, and externally. Sportradar will also conduct a series of educational and prevention workshops for clubs and players, focusing on the dangers and consequences of match-fixing. Complementing the coverage delivered by the company’s partnerships with the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA, Sportradar Integrity Services will monitor, identify and analyse suspicious activities relating to the league through its award-winning Fraud Detection System.

“2017 was a fantastic first year for the PFL, and we believe that 2018 will be the year we take the league to the next level with Sportradar,” said Mariano Araneta, PFF President and Chairman of the LFI Board of Directors. “We are delighted to have a trusted global brand such as Sportradar join our journey, a company that shares our passion and sees the potential of the league.”

“As our first OTT partner in Asia, the PFL joins a rapidly growing group of federations and leagues globally that have taken a decisive step towards delivering an innovative digital strategy that will provide value and engagement for its sponsors and advertisers, as well as to the delight of its fans,” said Biplav Gautam, Director of Business Development in Asia “We are particularly encouraged by the PFL’s commitment to keeping the league clean, and we are confident that the engagement of our Integrity Services will safeguard the league against match-fixing”.

http://philippinesfootballleague.com/2018/02/22/philippines-football-league-pfl-partners-sportradar-multiyear-data-ott-integrity-services/

Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley to fans: ‘No Stephan Schrock call-up’

Philippine Azkals head coach Thomas Dooley was quick to refute any chance for Stephan Schrock to return to the national team ahead of the final Asian Cup qualifier game against Tajikistan on March 27, 2018 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Giving his statements through Facebook comments on John Duerden’s opinion article posted this noon suggesting on Schrock and Dooley ironing out their differences and reuniting in the squad to boost the team’s qualification campaign, the coach finally puts the matter to rest.

www.foxsports.ph/football/asian-football/819521/dooley-no-schrock-azkals/

International Friendly Match Between The Philippines And Fiji Set On 22 March

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) will host an International Friendly “A” Match between the Philippine Men’s National Team and Fiji Men’s National Team on 22 March 2018 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in Manila. Authorizations from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA are currently being secured.

This will be the second time the Philippines football squad play against a team from the Oceania Football Confederation. In October 2014, the Philippines hosted the Papua New Guinea men’s team.

The friendly will serve as the final tune-up game of the Philippines men’s team before its AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers match against Tajikistan on 27 March 2018.

Kick-off time for the friendly match is at 7:30 PM. Ticket details will be announced later this week.

http://pff.org.ph/2018/02/21/international-friendly-match-philippines-fiji-set-22-march/

Fiji football confirms first friendly with the Philippines

Update: 6:24PM MEMBERS of the Fiji football team will play their first international friendly match of the year next month against the Philippines.

This was confirmed by the Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel.

"We are planning more international matches for 2018 and the first one for the year would be against Philippine in the Philippines," Patel said today. 

"Philippine is a very good team in Asia and we look forward to the match."

The match will be played on March 22.

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=435301

Fiji football to play Philippines

The Vodafone Fiji Football team will play 123rd ranked Philippines in a friendly match on the 21st of next month.
Fiji FA Rajesh Patel says the national team will tour Philippines to play a match as some other friendly game are being lined up for the same month.
“We will be travelling to Philippines to play Philippines national team and that is what we have confirmed. We are just working on few other things before the game".
The Fiji football team comes into camp early next month and will leave for Philippines on the 13th of March.


http://www.fbc.com.fj/sports/60052/fiji-football-to-play-philippines

Indonesian national soccer team to meet Singapore, Philippines in tryout-matches

JAKARTA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- National football team of Indonesia will play with opponents from Singapore and the Philippines in preparation for the Asian Games.
The Indonesian team is scheduled to meet Singapore on March 21 and March 25 for the Philippines, according to acting chairman of the country's football association Joko Daryono.
"The main purpose of this matches is to boost preparation for the Asian Games," he said.
Besides, the two matches could also be used to improve Indonesia's position in FIFA rankings, said Daryono.
Indonesia is ranked 160th in the FIFA list, the Philippines at 123rd, and Singapore at 173rd.




http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/19/c_136985425.htm

Friendly March 25 Philippines vs Indonesia

PSSI (Indonesia FA) reporting that they will play a  friendly away against Philippines on March 25.

Matchday One - Group F: Ceres Negros 9-0 Boeung Ket

Bacolod City: Ceres Negros of the Philippines got their 2018 AFC Cup campaign off to a stunning start by posting a comprehensive 9-0 victory over Cambodia’s Boeung Ket in Group F at a saturated Pana’ad Park and Stadium on Tuesday

The margin of victory equalled the AFC Cup record, first registered by Uzbekistan's Nasaf Qarshi who beat India's Dempo in a group stage tie in 2011.

Ceres made their early dominance count by taking the lead on the quarter-hour mark when Mike Ott’s cut-back eventually found its way to Takumi Uesato to finish from close range, before Spaniard Bienvenido Maranon made it two soon after with a header from just a yard out.

With the rain coming down heavily, the floodgates had now well and truly opened as Uesato added his second by tapping in Jeffrey Christiaens’ cross and Maranon then dinked home a penalty after the lively Mike Ott was brought down by Touch Pancharong.

OJ Porteria bent in a fifth with the outside of his right foot just after the half hour and, after a period of relative calm, Sub Sovanrithy headed Patrick Reichelt’s cross from the right into his own net as the hour approached.

Captain Carli de Murga headed in a seventh from Manuel Ott’s cross, before the provider turned scorer when his shot from distance found the bottom corner. Porteria then rounded off the scoring with his second to bring a miserable evening for Boeungket to an end.

http://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-cup/latest/news/matchday-one-group-f-ceres-negros-9-0-boeung-ket

AFC Cup : Ceres-Negros fc vs Boeung Ket (Cambodia)

Live on Fox Sport 2 in Philippines.


http://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-cup/matches/2018/964170

AFC CUP PREVIEW: CERES-NEGROS V BOEUNGKET ANGKOR

Ceres-Negros FC opens their AFC Cup campaign when they host Boeug Ket Angkor on Feburary 13 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

The Busmen will be out to defend the ASEAN Zone title which they earned after defeating Singapore’s Home United in the two-legged final last year.

The core of the squad has returned which includes the likes of Stephan Schrock, Manny Ott, and Super Herrera whose aim is to surpass the quarterfinal finish of last year.

Matchday one will also see the possible tournament debut of new signings in Tony Doblas, Mike Ott, Sean Kane, and Takumi Uesato.

Ceres-Negros was drawn in Group F which features the C-League champions in Boeung Ket, ASEAN Zone finalists Home United, and Myanmar champions Shan United.

It will be the first time for both clubs to meet in the continental competition with the Cambodian squad being the less familiar opponents for the hosts.

Boeung Ket FC qualified to the AFC Cup Play-offs after winning their domestic league and by beating Lao Toyota over two legs in the play-off.

The Laotian squad had the advantage going in to the second leg after securing a 3-3 draw away in Phnom Penh. Angkor overcame the away goal deficit with a winning goal from striker Khuon Laboravy to finish 4-3 in aggregate.

The Cambodian squad boasts of a young core of locals which are supported by tough imports in Nigerian’s Julius Oiboh and Gbenga Ajayi, Japanese Hikaru Mizuno, and Brazilian Maycon Silva Calijuri.

It will be the fourth time for the Bacolod-based club to join the competition. After a stinging play-off defeat in 2014, the Busmen reached the quarterfinals last year where they fell to eventual finalists FC Istiklol.

The road to AFC Cup glory starts on Tuesday with the kickoff set at 730pm at the epicenter of Philippine club football. The match will be shown live over cable channel Fox Sports 2.

http://ceresfootball.com/afc-cup-preview-ceres-negros-v-boeungket-angkor/

Indonesia to play Azkals in March friendly ?

Indonesia FA is planning to play Philippines or Singapore away on FIFA match days in March.

The decision who they will play will be taken within few days.

FLC Thanh Hoa 1-0 Global Cebu (AFC Cup 2018 : Group Stage)

AFC Cup - Thanh Hoa 1-0 Global Cebu

Live on Fox Sports 2





Livestream :

https://www.facebook.com/ThanhHoaFC/videos/1688178991221423/?hc_ref=ARRZ9xyihgWjLrL_uHavZnniKZ1jFKI7XaamlVdBYTQk2mpurSOcAEk5YdAB_1oHVsU

Global Cebu FC Begin AFC Cup Run Vs FLC Thanh Hoa

Philippines Football League side Global Cebu FC begin their AFC Cup 2018 campaign with a match against Vietnamese side FLC Thanh Hoa on Saturday 10 February 2018 at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Global Cebu look forward to their third appearance in the continental front having participated in 2015 and 2017. Last year, Global qualified to the ASEAN Zone semifinals where they lost to Home United, 5-4 on aggregate.

Last year’s PFL runners-up are in Group G and will be up against FLC Thanh Hoa, Indonesian side Bali United, and Myanmar side Yangon United.

Newly appointed Global head coach Marjo Allado is wary of FLC Than Hoa’s experience despite only making their maiden appearance in the AFC Cup this year.

“An away game is always tough to start a tournament but we will give our best to have a good result tomorrow,” said Allado.

Team captain Patrick Deyto shared his coach thoughts on playing away in their first AFC Cup group match.

“Playing away from home is always hard but we will do everything to get the full three points,” said Deyto.

Global Cebu are one of two PFL clubs participating in the AFC Cup. 2017 PFL champions Ceres Negros FC will begin their AFC Cup campaign at home to Cambodian side Boeung Ket Angkor on Tuesday 13 February 2018 at the Pana-ad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

Photo from Global Cebu FC Media Bureau

http://pff.org.ph/2018/02/09/global-cebu-fc-begin-afc-cup-run-vs-flc-thanh-hoa/

Friendly Game Result: Davao Aguilas FC vs JPV Marikina FC

JP Voltes Marikina FC duked it out against Davao Aguilas FC resulting at a 3-3 stalemate at Rizal Memorial Stadium on the 7th of February, 2018.

Despite an uneventful first half, JPV surged all out on the second half as Jim Ashley Flores drew first blood on 46’ but was set back by an own goal shortly afterwards. Patrik Franksson picked up the slack by netting a goal on the 73’ mark.

Davao Aguilas responded promptly on the 75’ and 77’ as Harrison Sawyer brought their team on the lead, only to be equalized by Voltes’ Aaron Altiche a couple of minutes after, resulting to a 3-3 standstill.

Next stop will be on February 14, 9:00 AM, against Stallions Laguna FC at their home turf in Biñan Stadium.

http://en.jp-voltes.org/2018/02/07/friendly-game-result-davao-aguilas-vs-jpv/

Japanese coach newly appointed in Philippines

For the development of football in Asia, the Japan Football Association has been dispatching technical experts to many countries in Asia. Today we introduce Mr. MIZUSHIMA Musashi and Mr. HIRATA Reiji, who has just started their new assignment in Cambodia and Philippines respectively.


HIRATA Reiji, Head of Youth Development in Philippines
I have landed this beautiful country to work as the Head of Youth Development of the Philippines Football Federation (PFF). This country has a population of 100 million with an average age of 23. People here takes great care of their family, loves festivals, and football has been very popular recently. The national team consists with not only domestic players, but players with different roots, including players with German, English and Japanese backgrounds. The team is called “Azkals” meaning mixed-bred wild dog in the native Tagalog language and the team is gaining more and more recognition in Asia. This diversity is a strength that we can expand on. Working together with the PFF President Mr. Araneta and everyone involved, I will do my best to develop the youth and help football in the Philippines move forward.

http://www.jfa.jp/eng/news/00016130/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

CERES-NEGROS TO FACE BOEUNG KET IN AFC CUP OPENER

Ceres-Negros FC will face Boeung Ket FC on February 13 in their opening match of the 2018 AFC Cup at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.

The Cambodia representatives qualified to the tournament after winning by 4-3 in aggregate over Lao Toyota in a two-legged playoff.

They will be joined by familiar foes in Myanmar’s Shan United and ASEAN Zone finalist Home United in Group F of the continental tournament.

Teams will play six home and away games each with the top team earning qualification to the Zonal Semifinals. The best second place record from the three ASEAN groups will also qualify for the knockout stage.

Ceres will also host Shan United on March 6 and Home United on April 25 for their final group match.

Photo from Myanmar National League

http://ceresfootball.com/ceres-negros-to-face-boeung-ket-in-afc-cup-opener/

Kaya FC makes Iloilo home field

BY ADRIAN STEWART CO

February 2, 2018

KAYA Futbol Club is officially partnering with Iloilo province for the 2018 Philippines Football League as it makes the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City as its home field.

Capitol football director Edwin Caro Laru-an told Panay News the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved the partnership. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be signed on Tuesday.

“Na-approve na ng SP ang authority na mag-enter si Gov. (Arthur Defensor Sr.) into a MOA with Kaya FC,” Laru-an said. “The MOA signing will be on Tuesday.”

“The partnership is a welcome development for Iloilo, especially sa grassroots at sa mga football fans,” he added. “As we all know, Iloilo is considered one of the country’s football hotbeds.”

The partnership is seen to revive the football rivalry between Iloilo and Negros Occidental, now represented by defending PFL champion Ceres Negros FC.

Kaya is one of the oldest active football clubs in the Philippines. Established in 1996, it became one of the founding members of the United Football League in 2010.

The Santi Araneta-supported squad has one UFL championship under its belt and one international tournament appearance, during the 2016 AFC Cup.

Last year Kaya made University of Makati as its home court in the PFL. The club finished on third place in the elimination round but was booted out by Ceres Negros in the semifinals./PN

http://www.panaynews.net/kaya-fc-makes-iloilo-home-field/

Friendly Game Results - JPV Marikina

JPV gets the ball rolling with two back-to-back friendlies with fellow PFL clubs, Global Cebu FC and Stallion Laguna FC, on the first and second of the month in Mckinley Stadium and Gatorade-Chelsea Bluepitch respectively.

Voltes vaults in the first of the month with a 1-0 win against Global Cebu FC thanks to Jaime Poderoso Jr.

Following up with a 3-2 win against Stallion Laguna FC with two goals by Ryuki Kozawa and one goal by Tsubasa Suzuki.

JPV will be having its next friendly game against Davao Aguilas FC on February 7, 3pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

http://en.jp-voltes.org/2018/02/02/friendly-game-results/

JPV Marikina FC - 2018 Player Roster

PFL SEASON 2018 BEGINS MARCH 3

PFL SEASON 2018 BEGINS MARCH 3


The kick off for the Philippines Football League Season 2018 was finalized following the conclusion of the PFL Board Meeting held last Tuesday 30 January 2018 at the PFF House of Football in Pasig City.

The LFI Board of Directors, chaired by Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta, approved the league calendar, competition format, and fixtures for the 2018 season.

The League will kick start on 3rd March. The format of the League will be two rounds of home and away matches with a final round hosting via drawing of lots. There will be a total of 75 league matches to be played this season.

The six PFL teams have confirmed their participation for the 2018 season. The fixtures will be formally announced by the end of the week pending the official communication to the six clubs.

The champions of the League will be eligible to compete in the AFC Champions League next year subject to fulfillment of criteria set by the AFC and the PFF.

Also to be introduced this season is the PFL Cup. The PFL Cup will be held from September until October 2018 with the winner earning a berth to the AFC Cup subject to fulfillment of criteria set by the AFC and the PFF.

philippinesfootballleague.com/2018/01/31/pfl-season-2018-begins-march-3/