RP booters back in action

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine football team that made news in the first Asian Youth Games in Singapore after one of its players tested positive for A(H1N1) will finally get to play.

After going through seven days of quarantine in a local resort, the Pinoy booters have been allowed to practice yesterday for a friendly against the host team at 2:30 p.m. today.

The match is set at the Jalan Besar Stadium, and the RP team can’t wait to get the ball rolling.

Col. Cesar Binag, chef-de-mission of the RP delegation to the AYG, which formally begins on Monday, said the team was released from their quaratine center at around 8:30 a.m.

“They boarded a bus with their parents and loved ones,” said Binag, adding that the team members, composed of 18 players and two coaches, were brought back to the Games Village.

They had practice before noon, and showed eagerness to finally play even just one match. They will fly home tomorrow, the day before the rest of the RP delegations leaves for the Lion City.

“They are all in very good condition and ready to play tomorrow. The parents are extremely happy,” said Binag.

A 14-year-old member of the RP team tested positive for A(H1N1) two days after arriving in Singapore. But he is now in good condition, although he will not be able to play.

Four other football players from Hong Kong were found positive of the virus and like the Philippines the tean was not allowed to join the action that started June 20 and would last until July 6.

Thousands of athletes aged 14 to 17 years and representing 44 countries will take part in the Games that will feature nine sports disciplines.

Even in quarantine, the Filipino players tried to stay in condition.

“The kids keep limbering up all the time at the bungalow they’re staying in. They can’t be stopped from running,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mari Martinez.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping, who flew to Singapore Sunday, the moment he heard of the incident, said it was a pity that the Filipino players trained hard for the tournament only to be barred from playing.

“But now, the bottomline is they’re all safe,” said Angping. – Abac Cordero