Football legends push for gov’t support, grassroots

MANILA, Philippines - Football legends Fabio Cannavaro and Dennis Wise believe an emerging nation like the Philippines can make great strides internationally given the right ingredients.

In town to spice up action in tomorrow’s Clear Dream Match 2 with the Younghusband brothers, the 2006 FIFA World Cup champion and FIFA Player of the Year Cannavaro and the multi-titled Wise were asked for their advice to fledgling Phl football.

“You guys need to start at the grassroots part of it, the young kids, get them and build the national team up. That has to come from the young kids, six upwards to improve the national team,” Wise told The STAR in a one-on-one interview yesterday.

“They can improve if they want, not only players but also in facilities. The government must understand they need a nice pitch and facility to play in,” Cannavaro said in a separate sitdown chat.

When Cannavaro and Wise talk, football lovers should listen. Naples-born defender Cannavaro captained the Italian team that won the World Cup in 2006, the same year he was adjudged Player of the Year. Wise, a central midfielder known for his aggressive style during his days, skippered the Chelsea team that won the FA Cup in 1997 and 2000, the League Cup in 1998 and the UEFA Winner’s Cup in 1998. 

For them, the relatively shorter built of the average Filipinos should be no hindrance.

“I’m short,” said Wise, who stands 5-foot-6. “Of course there’s a place (for small men in football). It doesn’t matter if you’re short.”

Five-foot-nine Cannavaro, nicknamed the Berlin Wall for his defensive efforts in the 2006 World Cup held in the German capital, said he won’t be surprised if the next big thing in football would come from Asia.

“Many people here in Asia. If you practice the football, do nice things, if you’re professional, the new Messi may be here in Asia and just waiting to be discovered,” he said.

The two legends joined Phil and James, and CLEAR brand manager Drew Copuyoc at the presidential table for the presscon/launch of the all-star football event set at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow at University of Makati field.

Cannavaro, currently an assistant coach in a Dubai club, will reinforce Team James while Wise, who’s into TV, will beef up Team Phil.

“It’s going to be something to remember. To say we’re able to play with Dennis and Fabio and get the chance to learn from them, to see what they do on and off the field, will help Filipino players improve and bring that into our game,” said Phil.

“The biggest winner here is Philippine football. For the legends like them to promote the sport, that’s really big for us,” said James.

Cannavaro and Wise are both glad to do their share in promoting the beautiful game here.

“This is a good opportunity for us to share our experience here. This is important now in the Philippines, where you’re trying to improve football,” the Italian said.

“I think what these two (Younghusbands) have done here, obviously with a lot of other people, is fantastic. They’ve been trying to improve the game, make people stand up and look at Phl football. They have a massive ambition of developing the grassroots and one day qualifying for the World Cup. They’ve already started and they’re progressing even more. I’m glad I came over and be involved in this,” Wise said.

Copuyoc, meanwhile, said CLEAR has decided to make it a non-profit match and allocate 50 percent of ticket sales for relief efforts for victims of storm Maring. The other half will still go to Tuloy sa Don Bosco Foundation, the event’s original beneficiary.