31 December 2012

Navy draws CAFC, 2-2


Monday, December 31, 2012
ALL is well that ends well for the visiting US Navy who got a taste of local football after they drew the Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC) selection, 2-2, in yesterday’s friendly match at the Aboitiz Sports Field.
The Navy was supposed to take on the Cebu Queen City United (CQCU)-A, but the Americans begged off and requested for the substitute team instead because they lacked training.
The team from the US Navy consisted of amateur Mexican-Americans and they even have female players.
Ceniza and his boys were looking forward to the friendly match, which they treated as their preparation for the Jan. 12 game against Pachanga FC for the PFF-Smart Club Championships.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 01, 2013.

Happy New Year !

Happy New Year , best wishes for 2013 !

30 December 2012

PFF President Araneta - Plans for 2013


By Joaquin Henson

Nest year, Araneta said he’s looking forward to even more landmark accomplishments. Internationally, his goals are to qualify for the Challenge Cup finals and barge into the Southeast Asian Games semifinals where the age limit is 23. “We’re hosting one bracket in the Challenge Cup and we’ll play Brunei, Cambodia and Turkmenistan in March,” said Araneta. “If we top the bracket or rank one of two of the top second placers, we’ll qualify for the eight-team finals in Maldives next year. We’ll hold an Independence Day match in June since FIFA has set aside June 6-12 for friendlies. If we’re invited to play in the Nehru Cup in India sometime in August, we plan to accept. We’ll do another Peace Cup with stronger teams in September. In October, we could do a Middle East camp to prepare for the Challenge Cup finals if we make it like we did in Bahrain and Kuwait before.”
Araneta said more Fil-foreigners are applying to join the Azkals and the PFF welcomes their addition. “We’re building depth because we’re never sure who can play given international commitments,” he said. “One player we’re hoping to enlist is Fil-Spanish Javier Patino, a striker from FC Cordova. If he can get his Philippine passport before the Jan. 31 deadline, we could line him up for the Challenge Cup qualifiers in March.”
On the national level, Araneta said a goal is to stage more under-19 competitions. “We’re also planning to establish football elite centers in five areas which our technical committee is now identifying based on player potentials in our talent ID program,” he said. “We’re excited about the growth of the UFL where a lot of the Azkals now play. We realize basketball is our No. 1 sport but if football comes in a close second, we’ll be very happy. Winning a major tournament will kick off more interest in football. 2012 was a good year for Philippine football and if we keep working as a team, we expect 2013 to be even better.”

philstar

29 December 2012

Early Challenge Cup buildup for PH Azkals

By 



THE PHILIPPINE Azkals won’t have much time to lick the wounds of their recent defeat as they plunge back to training Jan. 6 for the AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers that will be held at Rizal Memorial Stadium in March.
Determined to be in top form, the Azkals will have at least two months to prepare for the tournament that serves as the gateway for next year’s final tournament, which will reward the champion with a spot in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.
The Azkals qualified from the AFF Suzuki Cup’s Group of Death to the semifinals only to drop a 0-1 decision to eventual champion Singapore on aggregate early this month.
It was the second straight semifinal appearance for the Azkals, who also reached the last four of the AFC Challenge Cup finals early this year in Nepal.
“The year 2012 was a banner year for the team,” said Azkals manager Dan Palami. “There will be plenty of challenges next year. But rest assured, the team will continue to work hard and not letup to give the country a major football title.”
“We don’t have much time to mourn because we are already in the middle of preparing for the AFC Challenge Cup,” said Azkals coach Michael Weiss.
“It is a tournament for emerging nations in Asia and our goal is to get first place [in the qualifiers] on home soil in order to succeed in 2014 and win the tournament.”
Emphasizing the importance of the Challenge Cup, Palami said preparations for the tournament will also include a week-long camp in the Gulf region in February.
The Azkals have trained there in the past, preparing for the Suzuki Cup by playing friendly matches against Bahrain and Kuwait.
Aside from the topnotch facilities, Palami said the Gulf is an ideal location as the Europe-based players will not have to make a longer trip to link up with the squad, unlike when the camp is held in the Philippines.
“We are still hoping to get a federation to host the team so we could save on costs,” said Palami, who hopes to utilize the Feb. 6 friendly date to play an international match in the middle of the camp.

QCU vs. US Navy friendlies moved


Saturday, December 29, 2012
THE friendly match between the Cebu Queen City United and the US Navy will be moved to Dec. 31, at 3 p.m., at the Aboitiz Sports Field instead of on Sunday.
The match has to be rescheduled because the US Navy officers’ arrival in the country was delayed by Typhoon Quinta.
On board USS Gridley, an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, the team will be docking in
Cebu for a goodwill visit.
The visit and the friendly match are part of their community outreach program.
Originally, it was announced that the Cebu Amateur Football Club-Queen City United-B will play the Mexican-American amateur players.
However, it was later confirmed that Cebu Queen City United - A will be taking on the US Navy selection this Monday.
Members of the Cebu Football Association board are expected to grace the friendly match that will cap this year’s busy round of games.
The game was supposed to be the main highlight for this Sunday’s Aboitiz Cup matches featuring the men’s open and the quarterfinals of the inter-company division.
Since they can’t play on Sunday, Don Bosco Razkals and Cebu Amateur Football Association-A will take over their time slot.
The other matches in the men’s open will be between Don Bosco United FC-A against FCIC and Avengers FC taking on Toledo Harumi of bracket C.
Don Bosco United FC-B will face DB Magone, while San Roque FC will challenge B-Meg Camellans of bracket B.
The team had recently qualified to the round of 16 national finals of the PFF-Smart Club Championships. It is set to take on Pachanga FC.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on December 29, 2012

28 December 2012

Azkal striker Angel Guirado shown the door by Salgaocar FC

In a bid to improve its luck in the ongoing I-league, Salgaocar FC have released Philippines national football team striker Angel Guirado mid-season.


Angel was an important member of the Azkal who went up to the semis of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 and recently returned from the national duty. But as soon as he landed in Goa, he was asked to leave.

Salgaocar are deep in the relegation zone at 14th among as many teams after having played 11 rounds. They lack the firepower upfront and for the same reason, Sean Rooney was released earlier.

Salgaocar officials say that the management was unhappy with his below average performance and that he had been away for national duty for far too long.

The club is looking to sign Josimar Martins, a Brazillian striker.


Indian Football Network



Contract renewal for Azkals coach still pending for review

Karl Decena, InterAKTV

The Philippine Football Federation said that the decision of extending the contract of coach Hans Michael Weiss with the Azkals will depend on what the country’s football body and the team management deem as “best to Philippine football.”



PFF general secretary Edwin Gastanes told InterAKTV that the country’s football body and Azkals management will discuss the status of Weiss’ contract, which will expire on January 16, 2013, after the German coach’s return from holiday vacation.

“PFF and the team management shall consider all relevant factors and shall treat the matter guided by what is best, in particular, for the national team and, in general, to Philippine football,” Gastanes said.


In 2011, upon the recommendation of the German Football Association, which gave an assistance package for the country’s football development, Weiss was hired to steer the Azkals for the next two years. His hiring came shortly after the Azkals’ memorable Cinderella run to the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup semifinals in 2010.

Over the course of Weiss’ tenure, the Azkals have enjoyed the privilege of training abroad and playing international friendly matches, as well as the influx of foreign-based players with Filipino lineage to bolster the squad.

Weiss guided the Azkals to their highest FIFA World Ranking in history at 143rd. He piloted the team to a third place finish in the 2012 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup last March and a title in the 2012 Philippine Football Peace Cup, the country’s first football title in almost a century.

He also helped the squad duplicate its semifinal finish in this year’s Suzuki Cup, where they fell to eventual champion Singapore.

In an earlier interview, Weiss said that he is prepared for whatever the decision on his contract will be.


“I’m prepared for either way. I have requests from other clubs, federations so I’m not worried too much,” Weiss said.

“If the evaluation of Michael Weiss is a good one, and for my point of view, it can only be good, they should think serious if they want to make a change or not.”

interaksyon



27 December 2012

Angel Guirado clubless

Fil-Spanish Angel Guirado confirmed that he is clubless now and looking for a new club after playing for India club Salgaocar.

Back to Philippines ?

Azkals keen on keeping Weiss

By



All signs seem to point to German coach Michael Weiss staying on at the helm of the national side.
The only question that remains is for how long.
Azkals manager Dan Palami told the Inquirer that the German, whose two-year contract expires Jan. 15, will be asked to continue his work with the national team.
But Palami said the length of Weiss’ extension will depend on the Philippine Football Federation, which will discuss the matter on the first week of January.
“It will not only be my decision but also the PFF’s,” said Palami, referring to the contract that will be extended to Weiss.
“What’s important is we make the decision so we can start preparations for the (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifiers as soon as possible.”
The Challenge Cup qualifiers where the Azkals are grouped with Turkmenistan, Brunei and Cambodia are slated in March at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Weiss, who is on vacation in Japan, is actually setting his sights on taking the Azkals to the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia, using the Challenge Cup as a stepping stone to qualify for the prestigious quadrennial tournament.
“We have to look at the bigger picture and that is the Asian Cup,” said Weiss.
Palami had expressed satisfaction on the Azkals’ results under Weiss, who succeeded British coach Simon McMenemy.
With a lineup boosted by several Europe-based professionals, Weiss took the Azkals from pre-qualifying in the AFC Challenge Cup all the way to the semifinals and an eventual third place finish—the highest ranking the country has achieved in the tournament for emerging Asian football nations.
The Azkals also captured the first international football title of the country in 99 years with their triumph in the Philippine Football Peace Cup.
Early this month, Weiss steered the souped-up Azkals to another semifinal finish in the AFF Suzuki Cup, barely missing out on a shot at the title after bowing to eventual champion Singapore in the last four.

Naga City - Christmas Star Cup , Dec 29 and 30


KAYA FC try-out


KAYA FC  :

We will be having a ONE day open try out which will be conducted by our new head Coach MAOR ROZEN. 


We are requesting players between the ages of 17 -25 years of age, with experience in the UFL, and/or former National Team players and/or International experience to come by BGC on January 2, 2012 at 4:00 - 6:00 PM.

For any questions you may contact Ms. Dhen Alegre at 0916.253.7510

26 December 2012

UFL finally finds a home


By Karlo Sacamos

THE United Football League finally has a field it can call home.
Santi Araneta, the UFL chairman, on Wednesday announced the completion of the Mckinley Hill football field in Taguig, an all-weather artificial pitch that will help smoothen the league schedule for the coming new season.
Araneta made the announcement through his Twitter account.
“We don’t want to have dependency on the schedule. There will be less cancelation of games this time,” said Araneta later in phone conversation with Spin.ph.
In the last UFL Cup, numerous games had to be cancelled due to the unavailability of the Rizal Memorial Stadium or the sogginess of the University of Makati pitch caused by heavy rains.
"We won’t have problems anymore. Expect better quality football," said Araneta, the CEO of LBC Express.
The $1-million pitch, built in partnership with Megaworld Corp., began construction eight months ago and is up to Fifa standards.
Araneta said the UFL will have temporary bleachers in time for the league's resumption on February 5.
The grandstand, which has a target seating capacity between 2,000 and 4,500 people, will be available in June.


PFF: Better U-23 Azkals this time

By 



Seeking to improve on its past campaigns, the Philippines hopes to field a better-prepared Under-23 side for the Southeast Asian Games that will be hosted by Myanmar in December next year.
The Under-23 Azkals failed to end a 20-year wait for a return to the semifinals of the tournament two years ago in Jakarta, but notched an impressive win against Laos in the group stage—their first victory in the tournament since 2005.
Stressing the need for improvement not only from the senior side but also for teams in all age-groups, Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta yesterday said he and PFF national teams committee chair Dan Palami will be laying the groundwork for the program early to ensure that the squad will be at its best come December.
Araneta said the coaching staff for the SEA Games will be totally different from the national team.
National team coach Michael Weiss also mentored the Under-23 Azkals, who lost to Vietnam, Myanmar, Timor Leste and Brunei in the group stage two years ago.
“We have agreed to take the direction that the coaching staff for the SEA Games should be different from the national team,” said Araneta.
The core of what is seen as the squad for SEA Games team actually competed in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei early this year and also participated in the AFC Under-22 Championship Qualifying in Myanmar in June.
The Under-22 side had an all-Filipino coaching staff, headed by John Carmona. Among the players in that team that played for the senior side and reached the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup early this month were Marwin Angeles and Jeff Christiaens. Experienced campaigners Manny Ott and OJ Porteria are also expected to be part of the talent pool for the SEA Games.
Unlike two years ago when they only went to camp in Japan less than a month before the tournament, Araneta said the Under-23 Azkals will be given more exposure before they plunge into action in Myanmar.

Friendly matches for Azkals ?

Azkals is scheduled to start preparations in mid January for AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers in Early March.

No friendly matches have been confirmed yet.

A romour earlier was that Azkals was going to play  a middle Eastern team , possibly Kuwait in late January.

FIFA match date is on February 6 , and Philippines is expected to play on that day .

What teams are available on that day ? ASIAN Cup qualifiers start same day so many good Asian teams will not be available.

Opponent for that match day will likely be one of the AFC Challenge Cup teams from one of the other groups. Tajikistan would be a perfect match , but other teams like India, Palestine , Myanmar , Laos , Taiwan or Bangladesh could be opponent. Maldives the host of 2014 AFC Challenge Cup finals could also be a good team to play.

Maybe PFF would surprise and bring a good African NT or New Zealand to Philippines for that
match day ?

A possible third friendly in late February is also possible , maybe against a local UFL team or  a team from another AFC Challenge group ?

PFF eyes Sta. Rosa as Azkals new home


By Olmin Leyba
MANILA, Philippines - With entities on a deadlock on the terms of the planned construction of an artificial turf at Rizal Memorial Stadium, football officials have started looking elsewhere for the $500,000 endeavor under the Goal Project of the International Football Federation (Fifa).
Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta said a property in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is now being considered to replace the Rizal Memorial, whose administrator, the Philippine Sports Commission couldn’t agree to the provision granting the PFF control of the facility.
“We’re looking at another place, a property in Sta. Rosa. In fact, Domeka Garamendi, Fifa development officer, recently inspected the property and we’re just waiting for his final report to see if it’s feasible or not,” Araneta said.
The PFF and the PSC had earlier signed an agreement for the conversion of Rizal’s natural grass pitch into an all-weather turf using the grant from Fifa. The pact called for a lease covering 25 years during which the PFF should enjoy absolute control. But the government sports body had insisted it should still retain control of the Rizal, so the project was put on hold.
“We have to abide by what the government wants; we wouldn’t want the PSC to be sued by the Ombudsman, if ever. It would probably even be a blessing in disguise because if ever, we’ll have another field, an additional facility for the national team,” said Araneta.
The PFF chief said they would likely build training facilities to complement the future Sta. Rosa turf.
If Fifa approves the transfer and the project pushes through, we’ll also build a training center for our national team there,” Araneta said.
As for Rizal, PSC chairman Richie Garcia said in a recent press briefing that they would proceed with the artificial turf project at the 78-year-old stadium without the PFF and Fifa.
“The PSC board has decided to pursue setting up an artificial pitch for the Rizal Stadium (on its own) because we like to retain custody of the facility,” Garcia said.


24 December 2012

Merry Christmas !

Merry Christmas to everybody who follow my blog !

23 December 2012

Best is yet to come for Philippines football says Azkals Coach Weiss


Karl Decena, InterAKTV ·

National coach Hans Michael Weiss said that the best is yet to come for Philippine football after an impressive year for the Azkals.
In a Christmas message to Filipino fans, Weiss said that the future is bright for the Azkals after their achievements this year, which include reaching their highest FIFA World Ranking in history at 143rd last November and a second straight semifinal run in the 2012 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup this month.
Last March, the Azkals bagged third place in the 2012 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup, a football competition among emerging nations in Asia, and clinched the Philippine Football Peace Cup last September in Manila, the country’s first international title in almost a century.
“I am 100% convinced that we will be stronger in the next years and a football nation to be taken seriously,” Weiss said in a statement Sunday.
The Azkals set new record-high world rankings three times this year, becoming one of the best teams in the region based on the global football ladder.
“With all the preparations and intensive training periods, we were travelling with high hopes to the AFF Suzuki Cup where we duplicated the success of 2010 by reaching the semifinals again and beating Myanmar the first time in the history of Philippine Football,” Weiss said.
“Despite not reaching the Finals in the Suzuki Cup, I think we have grown steadily in the past 2 years under my guidance, creating one historical success after another, being the “most improved team” in the FIFA and ELO rankings and having gained respect and recognition from our opponents and the WORLDWIDE FOOTBALL COMMUNITY.”
Weiss, who is expected to stay on with the Azkals after the expiration of his contract, hopes that people will continue to support the team in coming years.
“With the combined efforts of all stakeholders in the country and going in one direction, I am sure we will bring joy and glory to the wonderful country of the PHILIPPINES!!” he said.

interaksyon

PFF SMART National Club Championship 2012/13

PFF SMART National Club Championship 2012/13
Round of 16 Schedule

09 January 2013 (Wednesday)
M-04: M'lang FC vs Kaya FC
3:00 PM / South Cotabato Sports Complex, Koronadal City

12 January 2013 (Saturday)
M-02: Cebu Queen City United FC vs Pachanga FC
3:00 PM / Aboitiz Football Field, Cebu City

12 January 2013 (Saturday)
M-06: Baguio United FC vs Gen. Trias International FC
3:00 PM / Benguet State University, La Trinidad

12 January 2013 (Saturday)
M-07: Romgarjal FC vs Green Archers United FC
3:00 PM / Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Dapitan City

12 January 2013 (Saturday)
M-05: Flame United FC vs Loyola FC
4:00 PM / Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, City of Manila

13 January 2013 (Sunday)
M-01: Ceres FC vs Stallion FC
3:00 PM / Panaad Football Stadium, Bacolod City

13 January 2013 (Sunday)
M-03: Pasargad FC vs Phil. Army FC
4:00 PM / Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, City of Manila

13 January 2013 (Sunday)
M-08: Nomads FC vs Global FC
6:30 PM / Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, City of Manila

Who will be the Azkals coach in 2013 ?

Who will be the Azkals coach in 2013 ?

Coach Weiss contract expire in 8 days and no news from PFF if they want to renew his contract.

22 December 2012

Cebu Football -USJ-R beats PSCA for win No. 2


Saturday, December 22, 2012
UNIVERSITY of San Jose-Recoletos stamped its second win of the Aboitiz Football Cup tournament against rookie team Philippine State College of Aeronautics in a 4-0 demolition in the Aboitiz Sports Field.
The Jaguars clawed Philsca to climb to the standings with still a perfect record of two wins from all games played.
Agapito Bacla-an's 10th minute goal started the ball rolling for the defending champions. He did not stop there as he banked in another one 17 minutes after.
Striker Junjun Pintuan did not let the game pass without him in the list of scorers as he added the team's third goal on the 29th minute.
Gibb Agravante sealed the game in their favor with the fourth goal in the 49th minute.
Philsca went on to play the entire second half but counter-attacks were unsuccesful.
They were also reduced to a 10-man team after Rey Domasaic was booked with a red card in the 79th minute.
Jake Moreno and Rey Domasaic were also called for yellow cards in the 56th and 59th minute, respectively.
USJ-R is now in second place with six points next to the University of San Carlos with seven points from a two wins and one draw.
Meanwhile, Philsca continues to struggle to get their first win of the tournament against the mainstay teams.
In the earlier match, Mark Joseph Felicidad of Mandaue Technical Institute handed Abellana National School-Pomeroy its 2-0 loss in the Boys 17.
Felicidad scored the two goals for MTI.
Today's matches will highlight the last elimination games of the inter-company division featuring teams from Bracket A.
Timex-LS hopes to end its third losing streak but they will have to challenge second-ranked team Innodata, currently with nine points. CDG
In another match, middle-ranked teams Arkiteks and San Miguel United will try to end the tournament with another win even if they can't advance in the quarter finals set next week.
Aside from Innodata, group leader Convergys-A advances to the next round with also nine points.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on December 23, 2012.

NFL drafting set Sunday

By Jerome Galunan Jr.


Following a successful football year, the North Football League is looking for another competitive tournament next year, as the Annual Draft is set Sunday at Pepe’s Mandalagan Branch in Bacolod City.
The event, which was originally scheduled last Dec. 9, will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday.
This was disclosed by tournament commissioner Ramon Janeo adding that new applicants or incoming players must bring their respective release papers from their respective current club teams.
These documents must indicate the current club managers’ signature permitting and allowing players to see action in the NFL.
Meanwhile, during the recent championship match, Dynamic Builders Football Club registered a double victory over archrival Ceres FC this year.
In February, the Builders also won over Ceres in the finals that was repeated early this month with a 1-nil triumph off the goal of midfielder Ziggy Tonog.
Tonog was named “Most Valuable Player” while Ceres’ Michael Casas was awarded “Best Goalkeeper” during the awarding ceremony at the Dugout on Lacson Street.
Trimaxi-Agro’s Patrick Martir was judged “Best Midfielder” as Las Buenas FC’s Marson de la Torre got the “Best Striker” award after scoring 14 goals in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Silver Dragon FC’s Raymund Dongon was named “Most Improved Player” while his team won the “Fair Play” Award./

WDJ

21 December 2012

AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in Philippines

AFC Challenge Cup Group E in Philippines from 2. to 6. March

Cambodian football blog : Kingdom of Football has released match schedule for AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in Philippines.

2. March : Philippines - Brunei , Turkmenistan - Cambodia

4. March : Philippines - Cambodia , Turkmenistan - Brunei

6. March : Philippines - Turkmenistan , Brunei - Cambodia

19 December 2012

Malditas prime up for WCup Asian elims


By Olmin Leyba

Fresh from a successful tryouts in the US highlighted with its win over the LA Viking Cup, the Philippine Malditas go for a breakthrough next year in the Asian qualifiers for the Fifa Women’s World Cup Canada 2015.
“You better watch out for the Malditas,” said Phl XI coach Ernie Nierras. “We just won the LA Viking Cup and we have a lot of (new) good players (from the US tryouts/training camp).”
Reinforced by Fil-Ams and Fil-Canadians who attended their camp last November, the Pinay booters beat California Cosmos on penalty shootout to cop the 2012 LA Viking Cup, a four-team tournament designed to promote the highest level of women’s soccer in Southern California.
Nierras said they have tabbed a good bunch of high-caliber recruits, including three who had previously suited up for the US youth sides, as they embark on an ambitious drive to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.
“We have 17 division one players and another three – all Fil-Ams – who actually played for the US Under 23 and Under-20 teams. So we expect a big improvement for the Malditas,” he said.
The Malditas will play in the first round of the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup in May 2013 in Bangladesh, where they are bracketed in Group B with the hosts, Thailand and Iran. Winner of the group will advance to the second round, which will award slots to the 2015 World Cup in Canada to the top 5 teams.
Sportshub ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

“We have a very good chance of winning that group and enter the second round. If we get in the Top 5 (in Round 2), then we’ll go to the World Cup. This is the closest we’ll have to getting in the World Cup so it’s very important we get the support, too,” said Nierras.
The Malditas have ended the year at 83rd in the Fifa world rankings, an improvement of two spots from their previous standing last September.

philstar

South Cotabato to host PFF-Smart National Club Championships qualifying match


Members of the Philippine Azkals, national and international football players under the Kaya Football Club (Kaya FC) will see action at theSouth Cotabato Sports Complex (SCSC) on January 9, for the the upcoming qualifying match against M’lang Football Club enroute for thePhilippine Football Federation (PFF)-Smart National Club Championships.
The match is part of the 16 qualifying rounds conducted in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in preparation for the championship match to be held in Metro Manila next year (2013).
Only two football teams in Mindanao, the Romgarjal FC from Dipolog City and the M’lang FC in North Cotabato qualified to play for the “knock-out” match early next year; the latter’s game will be held here in the province since no standard stadium is available in M’lang.
Cyril Dofitas, PFF head of competitions department said the holding of the sports event in South Cotabato will boost province’s sports tourism.
“We have seen South Cotabato as a suited venue for this event after it successfully hosted several national sports competitions in the past years; not to mention its standard stadium– the SCSC, as the best option we have,” Dofitas said.
25 members of of the KAYA FC are expected to come: 4 members of the Philipppine Azkals— OJ Porteria, Jason Sabio, Lexton Moy and Chris Greatwich; 6 former national players— Bate Burkey, Anton Del Rosario, Aly Borromeo, Darren Hartmann, Yannick Tuason and Eddie Mallari; Guam national player, Jonahan Romero; 11 international players— Nicolas Bolzzico, Eric Dagroh; Dario Dakic, Sabah Garmaroudi, Touisha Hosoe, Sean Lliff, Alu Kigbu,masanari Omura, Troy Osborne, Adrian Semblat and Ukogchukwu Ubiam; and 3 local players— Armand del Rosario, Junior Munoz and Antonio Ugarte.
Giovanni Jintula president of the South Cotabato Football Association said preparations are underway for the holding of said event.
“We are now working on the necessary preparations, from the transportation needs, meals and accommodation, playing venue including security of the players,” Jintula said.
Apart from the football match, the PFF and the Kaya FC will also conduct football clinic to the children as part of their social program to promote skills developmentt, physical fitness, cooperations and sportsmanship to the children at an early age. ~by Hydee S. Templonuevo, Gov’s Ofc, Info Div.

FIFA World Ranking , Philippines down 4

FIFA World Ranking for December


Philippines down 4 to number 147 .



ASEAN

131 Vietnam +7
136 Thailand + 16
147 Philippines -4
154 Singapore + 9
156 Indonesia +9
158 Malaysia +5
162 Myanmar -6
171 Laos +6
182 Brunei +5
182 Timor-Leste +5
184 Cambodia +7


Source : fifa.com

17 December 2012

Stallion players notch top UFL Cup awards


Karl Decena, InterAKTV

After winning the United Football Cup title, Penson Stallion Giligan’s players dominated the competition’s top individual awards Monday night.
Stallion skipper Ruben Doctora won the Golden Ball award, the tournament’s equivalent to the Most Valuable Player award, while Wilson Muñoz bagged the Golden Glove trophy as the best goalkeeper in the competition.
Doctora and Muñoz were vital cogs in Stallion’s Cup title run this season, helping their team upset League titlist Global in the final.
Meanwhile, Loyola Meralco Sparks star striker Phil Younghusband hoisted the Golden Boot trophy after leading the tournament with 10 goals.
Younghusband, who also won the award in the League competition last season, helped the Sparks to a third place finish in the Cup.

interaksyon

Stallions win UFL Cup in upset over Global


By Karl Decena

Penson Stallion Giligan’s toppled Global, 2-1, to win the United Football Cup Monday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
Team captain Ruben Doctora Jr. and Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez scored one goal apiece to upset League champion Global, whose roster is made up mostly of national team players made them the favorites to hoist the crown.
Stallion took the lead early, with Doctora scoring the match’s first goal at the 24th minute.
But Global quickly recovered in the counterattack as Sudanese striker Izzo Elhabib scored at the 26th minute to tie the score at 1-1 at halftime.
Sanchez then came out roaring after the break and blasted a goal at the 61st minute to bring the lead back to Stallion.
Global created several chances to score the equalizer late in the match, but shots by defender Juani Guirado and Elhabib in stoppage time failed to hit the back of the net.
The Cup title is the first UFL crown for Stallion, which made its Division One debut only last year.
In the first match, the Loyola Meralco Sparks routed Green Archers United, 4-1, to bag the third place of the UFL Cup.
Midfielder Mark Hartmann fired two goals, while star striker Phil Younghusband dished two assists and nailed one goal to propel the Sparks to victory.

interaksyon

UFL Cup final : Global Fc 1-2 Stallion FC, Stallion Fc win UFL Cup final !!

UFL Cup Final  , Live on AKTV


Global Fc vs Stallion Fc at Rizal Memorial Stadium



Global FC XI : Omphroy, Bahadoran, El Habbib, De Murga, Kama, Sadia, Reichelt, Guirado, Christiaens, Barbaso, and Hoshide

Global Subs: Uy, Capolei, Obiang, Wolf, Angeles MW, Angeles MV



Stallion Fc XI :: Munoz, Italia, Lee, Doctora, Kim, Sanchez, Hugo, Canas, De Jong, Pi, and Lee.


Stallion Subs: Martinez, Lestingio, Gustilo, Clarino, Simpron, Braga

24 min 0-1 Doctora Jr (Stallion FC )
26 min 1-1 Elhabbinb (Global Fc )

1-1 HT

58 min Obiang in , Omphroy out (Global Fc )

61 min 1-2 Rufo Sanchez (Stallion Fc )
69 min Marwin Angeles in , Carli de Murga out

1-2 FT

Congratulations to Stallion Fc for winning UFL Cup final !




UFL Cup- Third place match : Loyola FC 4-1 Green Archers United

UFL Cup Third place match :

Loyola Fc vs Green Archers United

Start : 5.15 Pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium , Manila


Loyola Fc : James Younghusband (suspended) and Chad goul (unavailable)

Green Achers United : Lawrence Obina (suspended) and Gong Villa (suspended)



Loyola starting XI: Cuaresma, Elnar, Fadrigalan, Minho, Dorlas, Hartmann, Morallo, Gonzales, Jeong, Nembot, and P Younghusband.

Green Archers United starting XI: Deyto, Pasinabo, Aguisanda, Aryee, Villareal, Pasilan, Marcellana, Johnson, Oloweyeye, Lee and Mensah

0-1 Ayi Nii (Green Archers United)
1-1 Mark Hartmann (Loyola Fc)
2-1 Jeong (Loyola Fc)
3-1 Mark Hartmann (Loyola Fc )

3-1 HT

4-1 Phil Younghusband

4-1 FT

Loyola Fc won third place match





UFL Cup finals 2012

UFL Cup Finals Preview: To break down the walls
 When the 2012 UFL Cup Finals kicks off on Monday, December 17 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, it will resemble waves crashing against element-beaten seaside cliffs.

Global and Stallion have the stingiest defenses in the UFL while also bringing frightening firepower to bear. But the story here will whose defense gives in to the waves of attacks that are expecting in an explosive finals match up.

The UFL Cup Finals will be a great way to cap the year following another sterling run by the Philippines in the Suzuki Cup where they made the semifinals once more and finished with a 2-1-2 record.

Global will be going for their second cup in three years while Stallion is looking to annex its first bit of UFL silverware in a winner-take-all affair.

It will pit the current toast of Philippine club football in Global, and the rising stars of Stallion on whose shoulders the hope of the Visayas resides on.

The three-week lay-off between the semifinals and the finals will be a factor for both squads but during this break both squads made sure to keep in shape and play some friendlies.

But as the song goes, “it is nothing like the real thing.” Here’s how we see this UFL Cup Finals going.

Why Global will win this:
They have the deepest line-up in the entire league not to mention the country. Their second eleven is good enough to become a starting team for another club. Even with Misagh Bahadoran doubtful to suit up, they still have lots of offensive firepower.

They have smart players and superb role players. Kevin Capolei has quietly worked himself into the rotation and become such a solid contributor to their offense. The same can be said for Fidelis Nnabuife and goalkeeper Roland Sadia who has been solid at goal conceding only one all cup long.

While they are known to be one of the best offensive teams in the league it is their defense that propels them.

The back four of Jerry Barbaso, Val Kama, Juani Guirado, and Carli de Murga is superb. Barbaso is one of the best wingbacks where his speed and toughness make it difficult for opposing forwards to break free of him. Global likes to make use of a stopper in front. Sometimes Matthew Uy plays that role for Global. The position already solidifies the defense.

They make use of this to turn on a quick counter where the ball is sent to their wondrous midfielders whose speed is the best in the league.

Jeffrey Christiaens and Patrick Reichelt are two of these human torpedoes. Both are highly dangerous wing players who with their speed can push the ball up and hurt opponents on the overlap. Then you have Marwin Angeles as the engine in the middle who replaced Angel Guirado in the starting lineup and has kept the team rolling. Their top-notch midfield can feed it to their predators in Izzo El Habbib, Alex Obiang, and Denis Wolf.

Aside from the forwards’ scoring prowess, they all have the height to win crosses and corner shots.

For Global it starts with defense. And expect them to attack in waves that will be designed to overwhelm Stallion.

If the match goes into extra time (and that is a distinct possibility), Global will have the advantage of a deep bench. But going into penalties is really a crapshoot.

Why Stallion will win it:
In the past two years we have seen the gradual build up of Stallion that has led to this moment. Last season, the Iloilo-based club introduced their Korean contingent from Central Philippine University and they changed Stallions’ style of play with a more deliberate possession-style game with accurate diagonals and thundering finishes.

This year, they added that dangerous scorer upfront to complement Ruben Doctora Jr. in Rufo Sanchez and Joaco Cañas in the back to solidify their defense.

The Spaniards, the first wholly Iberian players to play locally since the wave of the early 1970s, have them on the cusp of a title. They have meshed well with the incumbent players and the result has them on the cusp of greatness. Sanchez’ presence has provided scoring punch and Stallion have the second most number of goals in the league with 19 (while conceding only three).

They play underdogs to the massive favorites that is Global.

For Stallion to upset Global, Doctora has to be a sure fire threat so the defense will have their hands full trying to contain two players. Both Doctora and Sanchez are incredible finishers with a deft touch from inside and outside. They’ve got speed and body strength to deal with physical defenders.

The onus is on Stallion’s midfield. They have to be combative and hold their own against Global’s.

And on defense, Cañas has to be his inspirational self to will his team to repel what will be wave after wave of spirited Global attacks. Stallion will have the height to deal with the tall forwards of Global. They just have to be wary of the second wave that is just as deadly.

For the match, Global will be without Delon Yao while Stallion will be sorely missing the services of starters Yeul Woo Nam and Antonio Albor. Expect Jake Hugo to play a crucial role on defense.

The game will be decided on whose defense is more solid and whose midfield rules the day.

The UFL Cup Finals will be at 7:15pm at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. The battle for third place between Green Archers United  and Loyola will be at 5:15pm.

UFL Website

16 December 2012

14 December 2012

‘Teams will fear them’

By 



AFTER reaching the semifinals for the second straight time, the Philippine men’s national football team has convinced Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic that it will continue to be a force to reckon with in the AFF Suzuki Cup for years to come.
Having spent the last nine years as coach of the Lions, the Serbian has seen enough of Southeast Asian football to make a credible assessment of where the Azkals lie in the regional hierarchy.
Avramovic, who steered the Lions to titles in 2004 and 2007, had nothing but kind words for the Azkals, after watching Singapore come away with a narrow 1-0 win in the second leg of their semifinal duel at the Jalan Besar Stadium Wednesday night.
“I think in the next Suzuki Cup they will be even better,” Avramovic told Filipino reporters after the match. “There are some good, experienced players and I’m sure there are more players who will come.”
The Philippines’ rise in the region, Avramovic said, can only be good for football as it will keep the traditional powers on their toes. Singapore made the final against Thailand, which is also gunning for a record fourth straight title. The Thais beat Malaysia, 3-1, on aggregate.
“It’s always good for Southeast Asia that one extra quality team is here,” said the Serbian, referring to the Azkals.
Singapore actually played the Azkals twice in the lead up to the Suzuki Cup and lost both matches, including a 0-2 defeat at home in September. But Avramovic said those matches against the Azkals came in handy in creating their successful battle-plan in the semifinals.
“It helped me in a way [that] our players know better how the Filipino players [play] and then it was easy for me to put tactics,” said the 62-year-old, who also stressed the importance of more exposure for the Azkals to continue their rise.
“I think in some way I feel sorry for the Philippines because in some way they tried very hard. They have a good team. I just hope they continue [to] participate in competitions.”
Defender Daniel Bennett, who has 120 appearances for Singapore, also believes the Azkals will remain contenders in the region.
“They just have to keep on going. They are a good side,” said Bennett, whose first appearance for Singapore in 2002 came incidentally against the Philippines.
“I see the Philippines will be very very hard to beat in years to come,” said Bennett. “We’ve already seen from two years ago that its getting harder and harder to beat them. I think in two years, every team is going to fear them. They never give up.”

Filipino playing for MK Dons ?

Adam Thomas Chicksen (born 27 September 1991) is an English footballer who plays for Milton Keynes Dons. Chicksen was adopted from the Philippines as a toddler.


He joined the Milton Keynes Dons Dons academy as a 14-year-old in July 2006 and was handed a two-year scholarship at the start of the 2008–09 season. He is the first, and apart from Mark Randall, only player born in Milton Keynes to play for the Dons. He attended St Paul's Catholic School.
He debuted for MK Dons first team in pre-season match against Reading in July 2007. His first league match was against Leicester City on 9 August 2008.[2]


Source : WIKIPEDIA

MK dons website

13 December 2012

Angel Guirado`s future in Indian club uncertain

"The future of Phillipines striker Angel Guirado who is currently participating the AFF Suzuki Cup also seems up in the air as Gomes continued, "We are going to talk to Angel Guirado once he is back from his international duty, but he is with the club (Salgaocar) for now."

goal.com

Team needs all the help it can get, says Palami

By 



SINGAPORE—Amid the raucous atmosphere marking Singapore’s entry to the AFF Suzuki Cup finals at Jalan Besar Stadium here Wednesday night, Philippine team manager Dan Palami stayed cool and composed, trying to console each player who approached him.
It was not the time for him to sulk—he will deal with the disappointment later in private—after the Azkals’ 0-1 loss to the Singaporeans in the second leg of their semifinal clash.
“It’s one of those occasions when you had to be strong,” said Palami. “You had to show everybody this is not the end.”
The Azkals returned to the tournament that sparked the renaissance of the sport two years ago with heavy expectations because of a stronger, more experienced lineup.
Along with the Philippine Football Federation, Palami’s task was to ensure that the squad was prepared for battle. The Azkals held camps in the United States and the Middle East in their buildup to the tournament and made sure that the Europe-based aces would be able to join the team for the Suzuki Cup.
In the group stage in Bangkok, Palami had to buy studs for several players as they struggled to cope with the soft and soggy pitch at Supachalasai Stadium. It was this change in footwear that helped keep Phil Younghusband stay on his feet to deliver the first goal in the
2-0 win over Myanmar that sent them to the last four.
“Any loss for me is tough but this one really hurts because I’ve been spending to prepare this team. But to fold up now would be to even let the team down more,” said Palami, who started helping bankroll the squad in 2010.
Palami said the Azkals are still looking forward to the AFC Challenge Cup next year and the 2014 Suzuki Cup, where they hope to finally end their wait for a title.
“More than ever, the team has to be supported,” said Palami. “Of course, it’s also imperative that other individuals support the team. If not, we will continue to plod on. We will certainly get up from this fall.”