MANILA, Philippines - Following a highly-respectable showing by the Azkals in the AFF Suzuki Cup and a change in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) leadership that was recognized by the world body, Pinoy booters are looking forward to further breaking new grounds next year.
The Azkals, who made waves by surprisingly reaching the semis of the Suzuki Cup and making a gallant stand against powerhouse Indonesia on hostile ground, are poised to move on to the next battle ahead – the AFC Challenge Cup, the Southeast Asian Games, and the World Cup qualifier.
“It (Suzuki Cup campaign) is a step in the right direction,” Fil-British goalie Neil Etheridge said during yesterday’s PSA Forum. “We’re disappointed that we failed to make the finals but we’re now looking forward to future tournaments; there’s so many competitions out there ahead of us.”
The Azkals will get to play before their countrymen in February against Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup. Phl will host one game but newly recognized PFF president Mariano Araneta said the federation is asking for the second one, too, given the cold weather in Mongolia at that time.
To make the team more competitive for their 2011 assignments, team manager Dan Palami said the Azkals will hold tryouts for other interested players, be they homegrown or Fil-foreign booters based abroad.
“We’re ready to step up to the challenges; You can expect a better Azkals team in the next tournaments,” said Palami.
Meanwhile, Araneta vowed transparency in his administration after getting a letter of recognition from International Football Association (FIFA ) sec-gen Jerome Valcke. After consulting Association Committee chairman Geoff Thompson, the FIFA declared legitimate the Nov. 27 PFF Congress that ousted Jose Mari Martinez and installed Araneta.
“Rest assured we’ll be very transparent and that the PFF will support coaches and FA’s (football associations) in the provinces. We’ll also organize under-16 and under-19 competitions on a national level next year,” said Araneta who likewise plans to invite foreign teams to play against the Azkals to prepare them for their upcoming competitions.