PHL Azkals prepare for AFC Tournament on February

The Philippine Azkals during the tryouts.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

With their success in the recently concluded AFF Suzuki Cup last year, the Philippine Azkals prepare themselves for an even bigger challenge -- the AFC Challenge Cup. The team has already begun training for this Asia-wide soccer fest 2 weeks ago and I was lucky enough to witness the team's practice sessions at the University of Makati. The Azkals will be playing 2 home games in Panaad, Bacolod against Mongolia starting February 9.

Getting ready to tryout next for the Azkals.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

I was only there a couple of times though. The first time I went to their practice on a windy Tuesday afternoon. As expected, fans -- mostly female students from UMak -- were giggly and taking snapshots of the team during their warm-ups. Not that I was surprised with it. It was obvious that they all wanted to see the Younghusband brothers, James and Phil in action.

Observing and covering the Azkals practice was my goal on my first visit. I have to thank Mr. Chino Trinidad for posting updates about the team. And thank my lucky stars it's open to everyone. Mr. Trinidad wasn't the only one I spotted there, Dyan Castillejo and TJ Manotoc (dude's a helluva nice guy, actually) of ABS-CBN were also covering the Azkals' practice as well.

New Azkals Coach Hans Weiss chats with PFF President Nonong Araneta.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The rain came pouring at 6:30 pm and that was the cue to end my visit there. I learned from one of the team's publicists (I didn't get his name) that there will be an open tryout for the team the on January 17, Monday. As per the reports, only a few have remained with the Azkals roster -- Phil and James Younghusband, Team Captain Aly Borromeo and Ian Araneta will be seeing action for the AFC tourney. New Azkals Coach Hans Michael Weiss would be conducting the said tryouts. Went there the following week, of course.

Weiss replaced Englishman Simon McMenemy despite his success with the team at the AFF Suzuki Cup last year. The departure of Mcmenemy sparked a controversy via the internet. I'm not gonna touch that subject on the former though. I'm pretty sure we won't be seeing the last of Simon McMenemy in the future -- I meant that in a good way of course. Props to him for giving the Philippines a new hope in Soccer.

Players gather around Coach Weiss for a brief pep talk.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Fil-Foreign players have shown interest in playing for the Azkals. One of them is Fil-German Patrick Herget. He flew all the way from Germany to tryout for the team. Didn't see the other Fil-foreigners reportedly trying out that day. At the time, about 40 national team hopefuls were there to tryout for a spot in the Azkals roster. Coach Weiss didn't waste anytime to thoroughly hand pick players that will see action not only for AFC tournament but also for the Southeast Asian games.

Fulham Goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge will be joining the team in Bacolod two days prior to their match against Mongolia on February 9, by the way.

GMA's Mr. Chino Trinidad interviews Fil-German Patrick Herget.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

I got a chance to speak to the Azkals' Captain Aly Borromeo while he was taking a break from practice. Dude was very approachable and accommodating. He sure didn't mind talking to an unknown freelance writer like yours truly. In fact, I was honored and fortunate enough to get that rare opportunity at the time.

Pretty much, the idea of having more Fil-Foreign players would be a huge a boost for the team. Of course, talent is not only the important aspect of playing for the Philippines, gelling with the team is another thing they have to keep in mind, "We're just looking for the right Fil-Foreigners who have the physical and mental game to play at an international level and who can balance out proper cohesiveness of the team -- the right mixture -- chemistry of the players," says Aly.

Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami talks with the players on the sidelines.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Not only do they have to deal with new players coming in but also adjusting to a new coach and his system. Indeed, the team expects a lot from a generally strict German coach like Hans Weiss and they know they'll be perhaps starting from scratch.

Azkals Team Captain Aly Borromeo gets interviewed by GMA's Mr. Chino Trinidad.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The Azkals Captain had that coming as well, "We're expecting a different system. The German coach expects us to be repeatedly stiff -- he's not gonna concentrate too much on stiffness but more on pressing other opponents like Mongolia. We're gonna press harder right away -- we're gonna impress the new coach. He doesn't want any chances, talaga -- gusto na nya tapusin agad yung laro, so yun ang main focus nya."

Speaking of Mongolia, they hardly have any information on their opponents prior to their match next month. Expectations are high on the Azkals now that they're ranked 151 in the FIFA Rankings. They've only played mostly Southeast Asian teams and going up against the best teams all over Asia. "I know they (Mongolia) are ranked lower than us. So, we should be expected to win, get a good result against them. We're not used to playing Asian teams actuall. We've been playing Southeast Asian (teams), we might have more a of battle on the physical aspect. Sa Southeast Asia malaki tayo, di ba? Compared sa ibang teams," Aly explains.

Fangirls love them: Brothers Phil and James Younghusband of the Azkals.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Looking at the many young Filipino aspirants that trooped to UMak for an opportunity to play for the country, having new faces on the team is certainly welcome. Like what the Azkals' Captain mentioned about the Fil-Foreign booters coming in, gelling with the team is just as important. "It's good to have a good pool of players -- get some young guys out there -- like, I saw a few who can utilize with the team, just not yet polishing enough their few skills and the cohesiveness of a team. If they get accepted to the team, then you know, getting involved, breaking them in slowly."

Mr. TJ Manotoc of ABS-CBN interviews Fil-German Patrick Herget.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

It's clear that the popularity of the sport has grown since the Azkals successful run at the Suzuki Cup. The Azkals have proven that Filipinos can indeed excel in Soccer/Football. Surely, spreading the gospel of Football is a challenge and Aly doesn't mind preaching it as long as he keeps playing for the 3 stars and a sun. "Definitely. We're just getting our feet wet. We're up there to create awareness to the sport and keep the momentum going -- we have to get good results in the end. And hopefully creat more and more attention to the kids out there who wanna grab a soccer ball this time and not just a basketball, di ba?"

"Get the masses involved -- get everyone involved -- that's the main goal. So, use the potentials -- Filipinos have the potential, excel in the sport -- it's sad. So, if we could get some support from the right people, right sponsors, government and private sectors -- I think we can do it in the future, qualify for the World Cup. I chose football for a reason. I played basketball in high school but football is my love."

Just barely a month to prepare for the AFC tournament on February 9, Coach Hans Weiss knows there's a lot of work to do. Putting together a team that can compete against the toughest teams in Asia is no easy task. Teaching a new system to the team is another.

Phil And James Younghusband warming up on the field.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

As the AFC Challenge Cups looms, we can all expect that all the hard work will payoff for the Azkals. What motivates them is our tremendous support for the team.

I do believe they're gonna do well against the Mongolians come February 9.

Filipino pride, baby! Go Azkals!