PFF rules busy Younghusbands out of Bahrain clash

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The return of Phil and James Younghusband to the national team would have to wait due to scheduling difficulties caused by an earlier commitment – in a scenario that closely mirrored past incidents that led to their dropping from the squad during the Paulino Alcantara Peace Cup last month.

The Fil-British brothers have now been ruled out of the Philippines’ international friendly match against Bahrain on Friday in Manama, Bahrain.

Although they have already been released by their club Loyola Meralco Sparks for national team duty, the Younghusband brothers decided to schedule their departure later than what was suggested by the Philippine Football Federation which wanted them to leave Tuesday to give them ample time to aclimatize and train with the team.

But Cathy Rivilla, the Younghusband brothers’ business partner, said the brothers could not back out of a commitment to a corporate client which fell on the same day of the PFF’s suggested departure date.

Aside from their club football duties with Loyola Meralco, the Younghusbands also dabble in running a football school as well as product endorsements.

Rivilla said their commitment to a client was scheduled before they were recalled to the national side last week. Rivilla said backing out would also mean the Younghusband brothers taking a hit financially.

The brothers have openly declared their desire to return to the national team but wanted to leave for Bahrain only on Wednesday, less than 48 hours before the match.

In contrast, Loyola players Ref Cuaresma and Anto Gonzales immediately flew to Bahrain following the Sparks’ campaign in the RHB Singapore Cup last Sunday.

As a result of the scheduling difficulties, PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said the federation decided it was best for Phil and James to fly straight to Kuwait this weekend in preparation for the friendly match against Kuwait on Oct. 16.

Notwithstanding the Younghusband brothers’ absence, the Azkals have an experienced side for the two matches in the Middle East, which forms part of their preparation for the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Azkals welcome goalkeeper Roland Muller, Juani Guirado, Jerry Lucena, Ray Jonsson, Dennis Cagara and Paul Mulders back in the side, whose core is coming off an impressive run in the Peace Cup.
Guirado hasn’t played since the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal, where he scored his first international goal – against Palestine.
Jonsson is also playing his first game for the Azkals since March, while Lucena and Mulders are back after missing the Peace Cup last month.
“The most important thing for us is to have more games together,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami.
Defender Jason Sabio did not fly with the team to Bahrain due to a groin injury he aggravated in the Peace Cup, while Demitrius Omphroy is recovering from a stomach flu.

inquirer.nethttp://sports.inquirer.net/65844/pff-rules-busy-younghusbands-out-of-bahrain-clash?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

PFF keeps Younghusbands out of Bahrain match

After returning to the national team, brothers Phil and James Younghusband will not suit up for the Azkals in their friendly match on Friday against Bahrain.

Loyola Meralco Sparks president Randy Roxas confirmed to InterAKTV that the brothers are still in Manila and will play in their club’s first game in the United Football League Cup on Thursday against Laos FC after learning that the Philippine Football Federation booked Phil and James’ departure on Friday.

“Yes, they are still here. They were prepared to leave for Bahrain this morning but the PFF made arrangements for them to leave on the 12th,” Roxas said.

Most members of the Azkals left for Bahrain last Sunday for their two-match training tour in the Middle East this October. Phil and James, along with Sparks teammates Ref Cuaresma and Anto Gonzales, initially did not join the flight because of Loyola’s semifinal campaign in the 2012 Singapore Cup on the same day.

But Cuaresma and Gonzales have already arrived in Bahrain, leaving the brothers the only players from the Sparks that are still not with the team.

Reached for comment, neither the PFF nor the Azkals management responded to multiple queries by InterAKTV.

Last September, the Azkals stars were left out of the national roster for the Philippine Football Peace Cup over what the PFF called as “economic and non-economic demands.”

Despite of their absence, the Filipinos still won the crown behind the Azkals’ new faces led by tournament Most Valuable Player Denis Wolf.

After learning about their return to the Azkals lineup, Phil and James said they are “delighted” to be back with the team and look forward to working with the Azkals management regarding schedules.

The Azkals are now in Bahrain to face its national football team on Friday in its capital Manama and Kuwait on October 16 at Kuwait City.

The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup on November, where they look to surpass their historic semifinal run in the same tournament two years ago.

interaksyon

Younghusbands deny getting a callup for Bahrain camp !

Twitter from Phil Younghusband :

 "We have not yet received a call up. Our names were not on the release letter."

Younghusbands back in Azkals lineup for Middle East tour

Karl Decena, InterAKTV

Philippine football stars Phil and James Younghusband are back in the national lineup for its Middle East training tour this October.



Azkals manager Dan Palami confirmed the news to InterAKTV.


“They are included in the list of players whom the Azkals have given a call-up for our Bahrain and Kuwait preparation leg,” Palami said.


Last September, the brothers were left off the national roster for the Philippine Football Peace Cup after the Philippine Football Federation revealed that it cannot meet “certain economic and non-economic demands” from them.

The brothers have already denied the issue, saying that they will always be available to the national team for free.


Despite the absence of the Younghusband brothers, the Azkals swept all of their three matches to win the Peace Cup last September 29 behind the team’s new faces led by tournament’s Most Valuable Player Denis Wolf.


The Azkals will face Bahrain on October 12 in its capital Manama and Kuwait on October 16 at Kuwait City.


The matches are part of the their preparations for the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup this November, where they look to surpass their historic semifinal finish in the same tournament two years ago.

interaksyon

Younghusbands invited for Bahrain camp

Phil and James Younghusband have been invited for Azkals training camp in Bahrain

Younghusband brothers on exclusion: We don’t know the reason why

By Mark Giongco


INQUIRER.net   MANILA, Philippines—Brothers Phil and James Younghusband couldn’t help but feel disappointed over their exclusion from the men’s football squad’s lineup for the Philippine Football Peace Cup, which kicks off Tuesday.



The Fil-British brothers are also clueless as to why they were left out of the team, as they said in a television interview.



“We were very disappointed to learn just a couple of days before. I mean, we don’t know the reason why,” said the striker Phil, who leads the Azkals in international goals scored.


The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has addressed the issue in a press conference stating that the football body “can no longer meet some of the demands of the brothers.”


“Without getting into too much detail, they are economic even half of which the amount the PFF cannot handle and non-economic are with regards to commitment to schedules.”


Azkals head coach Hans Michael Weiss has said his relationship with the Younghusbands ‘is good’ and that he was able to ‘communicate with them well.’


But the German coach added: “I tried to understand their extracurricular activities again and again and again until it becomes unacceptable to other players.”


“Sometimes, things have to be done for the sake of the team because team is greater than individual,” said Weiss.

The PFF made clear it was not a sanction, adding that it was still uncertain whether Phil and James’ exclusion is temporary or permanent.

inquirer.net

Management cites commitments issues for Azkals rosters sans Younghusband brothers

Karl Decena, InterAKTV 

Without naming names, management of the Philippine national football team released a statement on Sunday about the makeup of the national team for the Philippine Football Peace Cup, which would feature the Azkals without stars Phil and James Younghusband.

The management said it “asked the players to give their unequivocal commitment to participate fully in the preparations,” but not all members of the Azkals were able to do this.

“Having greatly benefited from Suzuki Cup 2010, we expect our players to work harder than ever this year,” the PFF said. “Unfortunately, not everyone in the team could assure us of this; a few have already signified their unavailability for some crucial activities leading up to the tournament.”

The PFF added that it understands the reasons behind the absence of some players from national team matches.

“While this is admittedly a setback in our plans, we understand that family obligations and club/work commitments sometimes take precedence,” the PFF said. “The coaching staff will instead make adjustments in the game plan and in the roster of players, starting from the Philippine Football Peace Cup.”

The PFF, however, didn’t address the Younghusband brothers specifically. But they are the most notable players missing from the lineup for the four-nation tournament.

Earlier, InterAKTV reported that Phil and James were left out of the Azkals lineup for Peace Cup, with coach Hans Michael Weiss informing them of the news through a text message.

“James sorry for not being able to talk to you personally… so I have to inform you per text that Phil and you are not included in the list for the Peace Cup… anything else after remains to be seen… take care and all the best! MW” wrote Weiss in a text message to James.

The Azkals will face Guam on Tuesday, Macau on Thursday and Chinese Taipei on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium for the Peace Cup. The matches are part of their buildup for the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, where they aim to duplicate their semifinal finish in the same competition two years ago.

interaksyon

Younghusband manager has "no idea" why brothers are left off Azkals

The manager of Phil and James Younghusband said she doesn’t know why the two football stars were left of the national team roster for the Philippine Football Peace Cup.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss let the brothers know via text message that they would not be part of the team for the mini-tournament organized by the Philippine Football Federation.

“No idea! Brothers would always talk to Weiss naman, they go to training,” Rivilla wrote in a text message to InterAKTV.

In his text message, Weiss did not include any particular reason for the decision.

“James sorry for not being able to talk to you personally… so I have to inform you per text that Phil and you are not included in the list for the Peace Cup… anything else after remains to be seen… take care and all the best! MW” wrote Weiss in a text message to James.

Rivilla said that despite their busy schedule, the Younghusbands have not been reneging on their commitment to the squad, only missing a single event because of short notice from PFF management.

“The only thing they missed that I could think of was the visit to Malacanang. We were informed through a PFF official letter the day before. Phil had to fly to Naga that day for football work which we could not change. James naman had a commitment in the morning din,” said Rivilla.

The Azkals presented football gear to President Benigno Aquino III last September 14 after they were named ambassadors for peace by the Philippine government.

The Younghusbands last played for the Azkals in the team’s historic 2-0 victory over Singapore last September 7. They missed the Philippine team’s last assignment in its Southeast Asian training tour against Laos to fly back to Manila to commemorate the first death anniversary of their mother.

In a joint message, the brothers reaffirmed their desire to continue donning national colors.

“We remain 100 percent committed to the national team. We do not know what transpired, as we have been in constant talks with Coach Weiss. But we respect whatever decision management has. We will be available for whatever call up,” they said, before hinting displeasure over how they were informed via text message about the decision.

“We wish communication is better amongst player, national team, and club.”

Interaksyon

Shocked Younghusbands Brothers left out of Azkals roster for Peace Cup !

Brothers Phil and James Younghusband will not be part of the national roster in the upcoming Philippine Football Peace Cup.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss informed the brothers via text message that they will not be part of the team for the four-team mini-tournament organized by the Philippine Football Federation, which is slated from September 25-29 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

“James sorry for not being able to talk to you personally… so I have to inform you per text that Phil and you are not included in the list for the Peace Cup… anything else after remains to be seen… take care and all the best! MW” wrote Weiss in a text message to James.

The news came as a shock to the brothers, who have been the faces of the Azkals since their rise to prominence in the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup. Phil is the team’s best scorer and finisher, while James is regarded as one of the team’s leaders while playing an important role in the midfield.

Curiously, Weiss’ message leaves the Younghusbands’ future status up in the air. After the Peace Cup, the Azkals are set to play in a series of friendly matches to gear up for the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where they try to duplicate their semifinals feat from two years ago.

In a joint message, the brothers reaffirmed their desire to continue donning national colors.

“We remain 100 percent committed to the national team. We do not know what transpired, as we have been in constant talks with Coach Weiss. But we respect whatever decision management has. We will be available for whatever call up,” they said, before hinting displeasure over how they were informed via text message about the decision.

“We wish communication is better amongst player, national team, and club.”

The Younghusbands last played for the Azkals in the team’s historic 2-0 victory over Singapore last September 7. They missed the Philippine team’s last assignment in its Southeast Asian training tour against Laos to fly back to Manila to commemorate the first death anniversary of their mother.

Interaksyon

Younghusbands rarin' to join Azkals anew

After missing the last game of the Azkals’ recent three-nation ASEAN tour, Phil and James Younghusband assured their participation in the Pinoy booters’ campaign in the Philippine Peace Cup on Sept. 25-29 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

“We’ll be available for those games in Rizal. We’ll play there,” Phil Younghusband said during a recent event for the Chelsea FC Soccer School Philippines at TRIbeca Residences.

The Younghusbands were excused from playing in the Azkals’ friendly against Laos in Vientiane as they commemorated their mother’s first death anniversary. The Azkals eventually lost that fight-marred match, 1-2.

The Azkals will host the Peace Cup, the 2012 version of the four-nation Long Teng Cup, facing Guam on Sept. 25, Macau on Sept. 27, and Chinese-Taipei on Sept. 29.

James is personally looking forward to the upcoming matches, hoping that the Philippine Football Federation’s appeals committee will act favorably on his appeal against his one-game suspension.

philstar

Younghusbands - National Team is not a full-time job

National team isn’t a full-time job.”

That was how James Younghusband justified his and his brother Phil’s absence from the Philippine national men’s football team’s ongoing training tour in the United States.

Without the Younghusbands, the Azkals were walloped by semi-professional side Chicago Inferno, 3-1, early Sunday Manila time in the first game of their tour. The Younghusbands stayed in Manila to attend to several commitments, including playing in a charity exhibition match organized by CLEAR.

James pointed out that unlike in Europe, where national players receive big salaries to play football, Filipino players need to grab at opportunities that come to them.

In previous interviews, the Younghusband brothers have pointed out that they are not just football players, but they also serve as guardian to younger sister Keri. The siblings were orphaned last year after the death of their mother Susan.

As the Azkals rose to national consciousness after their surprising semifinal run in the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, the Younghusbands’ stardom also skyrocketed, luring many endorsements and showbiz appearances which made them the most popular member of the national team.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss said he understands the position of the Younghusband brothers. “For the close to two years that I’ve been with them, they have done so much,” Weiss said.

But he also said that the situation is getting trickier. “It has now come to a point that I have difficulty explaining to players who are always there and have potential,” Weiss said. “I told them that you are the pillars of the national team. You must commit yourselves.”

But Phil said it’s all about communication.

“It’s important to let the players know what is going on. If players aren’t aware, then they would then think that it is unfair,” he said.

Despite the distractions off the pitch, the Younghusbands still reiterated their commitment to the national team. Come September, they vowed to train with the team until the Suzuki Cup in November.

“We will still be with the team,” Phil said. “We just had to do something elsewhere.”

interaksyon

Clear Dream Match

Clear Dream Match , 25. August in University of Makati

Team Phil:

Forwards: Eric Tai, Yannick Tuason, Freddy Gonzales, Fabio Ide

Midfielders: Rafael Rosell, Pablo Badiones, Daniel Matsunaga, Tony Toni, Davide Cortina, Byeong Jeong Yeol, Ojay Clarino

Defenders: Park Minho, Yves Ashime, Roxy Dorlas, Armand Del Rosario, Dexter Versario, Janrick Soriano, Alvin Ocampo

Goalkeepers: Saba Garmaroudi, Wilson Munoz

Team James:

Forward: Nate Burkey, Patrick Bocobo, Rudy del Rosario, Eric Dagroh, Andrew Wolff

Midfielders: Marvin Kiefer, Jolo Durian, Jake Cuenca, Slick Rick, Mikko Mabanag

Defenders: Anton del Rosario, Jonah Romero, Patrick Ozaeta, Reymark Fernandez, Ronald Ong, Andrew Santiago, Steven Silva, Nico Bolzico

Goalkeepers: Patrick Deyto, Ref Cuaresma

Azkals coach fine with Younghusbands absence from US training camp

Philippine national men’s football team coach Hans Michael Weiss said that he understands the many commitments of brothers Phil and James Younghusband outside the Azkals that will force them to miss their upcoming training camp in the United States.
Weiss said that he knows that Younghusbands are only grabbing as many opportunities as they can to have a better future. Now orphans, the popular brothers are responsible for taking care of their 10-year-old sister.

However, the German coach admitted that he won’t let these kinds of distractions hurt their preparations.

“It has now come to a point that I have difficulty explaining to players who are always there and have potential,” Weiss said. “I told them that you are the pillars of the national team. You must commit yourselves.”

Weiss lauded the recent performances of national team players Carli de Murga, Dennis Cagara and Marwin Angeles, who can all step up when the Azkals’ key players are unavailable.

The Azkals are set to fly to the United States for their training camp in August, where they will face United Soccer League squad Chicago Inferno and the US Virgin Islands national team as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup in November.

Knowing how vital the Younghusband brothers are to the national team, Weiss said that he won’t just drop them right away from the lineup.

“For the close to two years that I’ve been with them, they have done so much,” Weiss said. “Before you make a harsh decision, you weigh all the options.”


According to Weiss, the Younghusbands have promised to concentrate on the Azkals after September. But he said that this only proves that all players have to work their way to get a spot in the lineup, no matter what they have achieved in the past matches.

“No one is indispensable,” Weiss said. “I can bring younger players who have aspirations.”

interaksyon

Phil Younghusband wins Golden Boot award

by Jojo Malig, ABS-CBNNews.com


MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Azkals striker Phil Younghusband won the Golden Boot award for the most number of goals scored in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup tournament.

Younghusband scored 6 goals in the tournament to lead the Philippines to a historic third-place finish in the competition.

The former Chelsea reserve player opened the scoring for the Azkals in their nerve-gripping 4-3 victory over Palestine on Monday.

His second goal in the match came via a penalty in the 24th minute.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss said he is proud of what his wards have achieved. "I am very proud to be part of this development of Philippines' football and I look forward to it continuing."

"I also want to take the opportunity to thank all our fans in the Philippines, in the Gulf, in Europe and all over the world who have supported us. Without them, what we have achieved would not have been possible," he told the-afc.com in a post-match interview.

The German gaffer said he also did not expect the third-place match to go down the wire. "It was a thriller. A do-or-die game and we were lucky in the end."

"Overall, I think we deserved to finish third and I thank my players for their never-say-die attitude," he said.

Other members of the Philippine Azkals were also on cloud 9 with their victory over Palestine.

"Maraming salamat po sa pagsubaybay nyo sa aking twitter updates. Masaya ako na nakapaglaro ulit ako para sa Pilipinas at naka-3rd place kami," goalkeeper Neil Etheridge said.

"Salamat sa lahat na sumusuporta sa team. So proud of you," Chieffy Caligdong said.

"Another amazing achievement from this amazing team. We thank all those who contributed along the way and for everyone's wonderful support," Rob Gier said.

"That match was our Final and we ended with a bang! Great achievement to come home with a bronze. So damn proud!" said Aly Borromeo.

"Tanggapin nyo ang taos puso naming pasasalamat sa inyo sa walang sawa nyo na suporta sa amin! Mabuhay ang Pinoy!" Ian Araneta said.

The Azkals also received praise from Palestinian football fans on social media site Twitter.

"Philippines has improved tremendously in 12 months. Not just saying that because they put 4 past us- their play is a lot more nuanced," said @FutbolPalestine. "Thought the fourth goal was absolutely superb from Philippines. Beautiful overlapping play really shows how far they've come."

"Quite obvious today that Philippines was hungrier, angrier. Congratulations Azkals on the third place finish. See you at Challenge Cup 2014!" @FutbolPalestine added.

Azkals fans, meanwhile made a public show of support by gathering at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati on Monday night.

Two members of the group stepped into the hotel's large outdoor fountain bearing the Azkals flag as the rest cheered on.

North Korea won the tournament by beating Turkmenistan, 2-1, in a tightly fought final on Monday.


ABS CBN News

Younghusbands’ mom dies of heart attack

The mother of Philippine Azkals players Phil and James Younghusband passed away Saturday night, the Younghusbands’ manager said on Sunday.

In a text message, manager Cathy Rivilla said Susan Younghusband, 49, died of a massive heart attack around 10:30 p.m. Susan is survived by her three children: James, Phil, and Keri.

The death of the Younghusbands’ mother was sudden as people close to her said she had no lingering illness, according to a report on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali newscast.

GMA News

Younghusbands join Loyola FC- Meralco

By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA—Unattached the past few years, brothers Phil and James Younghusband will finally get to play regular club football, this time in the Philippines.

The two popular members of the national team, who spent time with English Premier League club Chelsea when they were teenagers, are set to sign three-year deals with Loyola FC-Meralco in the United Football League, which starts with a UFL Cup competition in October.

“The Younghusbands see joining the UFL as a win-win situation,” a reliable source close to the Fil-British brothers said.

“Joining Loyola will allow them to play club football and also give them an opportunity to help uplift the level of football in the league.”

Phil is the national team’s current top scorer with 15 goals since debuting for the Azkals in 2006, while James has tallied four so far.

The brothers’ entry comes as another boost for the UFL, which has struck a five-year, P150-million television deal with TV5 to have its matches aired live.

The brothers are the latest members of the Azkals joining the Manila-based premier league.

Striker Angel Guirado has also linked up with Global FC, joining teammate Misagh Bahadoran, while Nate Burkey and Jason Sabio have signed with Kaya FC, where skipper Aly Borromeo and Anton del Rosario are regulars.

Defending league champion Air Force has Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta in its fold, while Army boasts of Ed Sacapano, Roel Gener and Nestorio Margarse.

Inquirer.net

Younghusbands to miss Azkals match in Iloilo

BY BONG PEDRALVEZ

ACOLOD CITY. – James and Phil Younghusband will not be around when the Azkals play in an exhibition match Tuesday in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, hometown of football chief Mariano Araneta Jr., and the start of the nationals’ team bonding in Cebu the succeeding day.

But the absence of the two Filipino-British siblings, both team mainstays, has the approval of national team manager Dan Palami and coach Michael Weiss, according to Cathy Rivilla, the executive director of The Younghuband Football Academy.

The Younghusbands were invited by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission to conduct a football clinic last Saturday at the West Negros University football grounds as a side event of the POC-PSC Philippine National Games 2011.

"We had a long meeting last night with Dan and coach Weiss last week to discuss the commitment of the Younghusbands to the national team and their outside commitments," Rivilla, who also acts as an adviser to the brothers, said. "The meeting went well and they understood the boys’ situation."

Rivilla said she and the two siblings, who no longer have a father, were able to explain to Palami and Weiss why the brothers were involved with other activities such as commercial endorsements and the academy.

"As elder brothers to a younger sister, they are looking after her and their future. Phil and James are also now building a house," Rivilla said.

She said the Younghusbands failed to join the opening day of the national team’s training last week because they both saws action in the Luzon eliminations of the Smart Club Championships the previous week.

The Younghusbans will miss the exhibition match in Barotac Nuevo because of activities involving them that were scheduled far ahead of the game, Rivilla said, adding this would also affect their stint in in Cebu.

She, however, said both Younghusbands have not overlooked their national team responsibilities.

"Phil and James know their key roles on the national team and remain committed to fulfilling their obligations to the squad," Rivilla said.

"Contrary to the perception of some, they are heavily bonded to the Azkals. You can go ask (co-captain) Aly Borromeo how bonded they are."

She said the Younghusbands will eventually go to Cebu for the team bonding "because that’s when the heavy training resumes."

When the Azkals return to Manila to resume their build-up and preparations "you can expect the Younghusbands to devote more of their time to the national team," she stressed.

The Filipino booters, who are expected to be trimmed down to the regular 23-man roster, are scheduled to leave on June 12 for Duren, Germany for the final stage of their tune-up for their Asian World Cup qualifying opening leg against Sri Lanka on June 29 in Colombo.

Malaya

Phil Younghusband scores 3 goals in first game since injury

MAV C. GONZALES, GMA News










After eight weeks of rehabilitation, Phil Younghusband can finally play football again.

“I scored three goals today! It feels really, really good," he said with a big smile after a friendly game with his club team Smart San Beda FC on Sunday morning.

Phil looked extra excited on the pitch as he played his first game since he got injured. Despite having only three days to train for it, he was already up and running in their 8-1 win over the University of the Philippines’ UAAP champion team.

GMA News

Phil ready to join Azkals in training

BY BONG PEDRALVEZ

STRIKER Phil Younghusband is now "70 percent" recovered from a torn right hamstring and should be ready to join the national men’s football team fitness camp that kicks off early May, according to conditioning coach Joseph Malinay.

"Phil is 70 percent fit and he will be ready to join our fitness camp next month," said Malinay, who was tasked by team manager Dan Palami to monitor the rehabilitation of the popular 24-year-old forward.

"He is still undergoing treatment with St. Luke sports doctor Randy Molo but everything is on track," Malinay added.

Younghusband suffered the injury during the second leg of the Azkals’ Asian Challenge Cup qualifiers against Mongolia in Ulan Bator last March 15 which they lost 1-2. They still managed to reach the group stage in Myanmar a week later with a 3-2 aggregate score.

As a result, Younghusband was sidelined during the Myanmar competition where the Filipino booters finished second behind group champion Palestine to earn a ticket to the main tournament next year.

Since then, the younger of the Younghusband siblings on the national team– the other being midfielder James—has been undergoing rehab under the watchful eyes of Malinay, who saw Phil’s performance in last week’s Smart Club competitions as a positive sign in his recovery.

"He (Phil) told me that he wasn’t really pushing himself in the tournament. Laru-laro lang. But it’s a good indication that he’s regaining his shape," he said.

In his first outing for a local club, Younghusband scored the opening goal in Rizal’s 10-0 romp over Laguna last Wednesday to cap the team’s four-game sweep of the North-South-Central Luzon cluster eliminations of the Smart Club Championship.

Malinay said the coaching staff hopes the striker would be "80 to 90" percent fit when the fitness camp opens "and 100 percent ready when we begin our World Cup qualifying series against Sri Lanka on June 29."

After a five-day respite, Younghusband will resume his rehab tomorrow as he continues with his agility and flexibility workouts, Malinay said.

Malinay said national coach Han Michael Weiss, who is in Germany to scout and recruit more team hopefuls, is set to return on April 28. On his arrival, the venue for the training camp will be decided.

The Alabang Country Club inside the plush Ayala Alabang subdivision in Muntinlupa City and the International School of Manila at the Fort in Taguig City are being eyed as possible sites of the camp.

Malaya.com

Phil, James set to play for San Beda FC

FILIPINO football fans will surely get a big kick out of this: Phil and James Younghusband are set to make their club debut for San Beda FC that will see action in the Smart Club Championships.

"They have started training with San Beda FC under former national coach Aris Caslib and will compete in the Smart tournament," a reliable source said yesterday.

The source said by joining San Beda FC "the Younghusbands are showing everyone they really want to stay in the Philippines and play here."

The Filipino-British siblings, products of the English Premier League Chelsea Football Club program, have been in the country for nearly four years.

They rejoined the national team, popularly known as the Azkals, last year and were key factors in the squad’s sensational run to the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup, Southeast Asia’s men’s football championship.

James, 25, and Phil, 24, launched the Younghusband Football Academy last year to impart their soccer experience and skills to young hopefuls whose numbers have grown immensely largely through the success of the Azkals.

"It has been a long since we have been considered professional football players and we are very happy to have that opportunity again, especially in the Philippines," the source quoted Phil as saying.

"It has been our dream to be professional football players since we were kids," Younghusband added. "We feel privileged and proud that we are given this opportunity in the Philippines."

The Younghusbands have declined huge offers coming from Indonesia.

While midfielder James saw action for the Azkals in last month’s Asian Challenge Cup qualifying group tournament in Myanmar, striker Phil had to stay behind after tearing his right hamstring in the second match of the ACC qualifying series against Mongolia in Ulan Bator earlier.

Since then, James has been undergoing therapy and is expected to be back in harness when the national team resumes fitness training next month.

Malaya.com