Global FC stint testing ground for 3 Azkals backup players

MANILA, Philippines - Azkals backup players Misagh Bahadoran, Jeff Christiaens and Patrick Reichelt will get their chance to shine in the international level when their club, Global FC, competes in the AFC President’s Cup this week in Cebu.

The three Global stars are raring to show their skills in the May 8-12 tournament for clubs in “emerging” football nations in Asia after taking a backseat when the Azkals vied in the recent AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers. 

And Global coach Brian Reid is confident the trio will play significant roles in the reigning UFL champion’s bid against Yeedzin of Bhutan, Pakistan league titlist KRL and Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan.

“They’re good, young players who understand their importance in the team. We need a good performance from them if we want to go further in the tournament,” said Reid, whose wards aim to land in the Top 2 to advance to the next round.

Global carries the distinction of being the first Pinoy club to take part in the President’s Cup.

“Playing for the national team is a great honor, but representing Global and the Philippines at this level is also a great achievement as a player,” said Fil-Iranian Bahadoran.

 For his part, Fil-Belgian Christiaens said: “It’s a big opportunity for us to be representing the country. The tournament is not just about Global playing but Philippine football represented at the Asian level.” 

Bahadoran, Christiaens and Reichelt, a Fil-German who traces his roots to Argao, Cebu, will link up with fellow Azkals Juani Guirado, Carli de Murga, Ed Sacapano, Marwin and Marvin Angeles and Joshua Beloya in this quest. Aside from Reichelt, reserve keeper Paolo Pascual will also have a homecoming of sorts in the bootfest slated at Cebu City Sports Complex.

Global will open its campaign against Yeedzin on Wednesday, before taking on KRL on Friday and winding up against Dordoi Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan.