PHL football officials, 5 Azkals players arrive in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Officials of the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday evening arrived in the city with at least five players of the famous Philippine football team, known as Azkals.

The Azkals players, who were with their new German coach Hans Michael Weiss, were supposed to continue their Manila training in Bacolod.

Bacolod is host of the team's game with Mongolia in a home-and-away qualifying round of the Asian Football Confederation Cup at the city's Panaad Stadium on February 9.

Other Azkals players, Philip and James Younghusband will be arriving later this weekend, while Rob Gier, Ray Johnson, Jade de Jong and Neil Etheridge will arrive on February 6.

Organizers of the AFC Cup have invited President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and some senators to the Bacolod game.

Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella said, "We have invited the president and there is a strong possibility that he would come. As of now, those who have confirmed are Senators Teofisto Guingona III, Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., and Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri III."

Puentevella said the organizers have asked for assistance from Malacañang to improve the lightings at the games venue. The DepEd has already given the go-signal for the transfer of lights from the Paglaum Sports Complex to Panaad.

A budget of P6 million has been requested by the Philippine Football Federation for hosting the game and P2 million of the amount has been allocated for the lighting facilities.

Puentevella said the 15,000-seat Panaad Stadium is ready for the Philippines-Mongolia match, after it passed the stringent requirements of the AFC, especially in matters of security.

PSC Chairman Ricardo "Richie" Garcia earlier said there is a very good chance of a Philippines' win against Mongolia. He also asked every one who will be at the Panaad to wear white shirts as a sign of support for the Azkals.

"Our unity as a nation and our cheers for our national football team will certainly inspire our players. Playing in our own territory is our biggest advantage. This game could be the biggest sports event in Negros this year. Those who can't be at the stadium can watch it at home as we will have a live TV coverage of the game," Garcia said.

Puentevella further said about 10,000 tickets for the bleachers will be given free but they will announce yet a few days before the game when and how the free tickets will be availed of. There will also be around 4,000 tickets for the seats at the grandstand that will be sold at P300 each, he said.

Hotel rooms in the city have been booked ahead for the event and football enthusiasts and fans from other parts of the Visayas and the country are excited to come to the city to watch the Azkals play Mongolia. — THE FREEMAN