His Azkals stint is over, call him Coach Chieffy

MANILA, Philippines - After retiring from the Azkals, former Philippine men’s football team captain Chieffy Caligdong will answer the call of the nation once more, this time as an assistant coach for one of the Philippines’ national youth teams.

“Chieffy is going to sit already as one of the coaching staff of one of our teams that will be sent abroad for competition,” Philippine Football Federation (PFF) technical director Aris Caslib said in the radio program “The Football Connection” on DZSR.

“It’s one of his learning curves right now; gradually understanding how it is to be in the coaching staff because eventually, he will become head coach someday,” added Caslib.

Caligdong, one of the most recognizable faces of the Azkals, has completed a C license course recently in Iloilo as part of his post-Azkals plans to get into coaching.

The popular winger has actually called the shots for the Green Archers United’s U-12 team already, leading it to the age group title in the PFF League and the United Football League (UFL) Youth tilt over the past two years.

Now it’s time to level up for “Coach Chieffy.”

“Panibagong paghamon ito sa akin, pero sa football pa rin (This is a new challenge for me, another aspect of football),” said Caligdong.

“Gagawin ko makakaya ko kung bibigyan man nila ako ng slot as assistant coach this year o kung ano man ang responsibilidad ko sa team. Ise-share ko sa mga bata lahat ng alam ko (I’ll do my best to serve at whatever capacity they will give me. I’ll share all that I learned with the kids),” added Caligdong.

The pride of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo said he wanted to help his wards develop traits that have served him well – quality of first touch, good read on ball, and movement to help create scoring chances.

If given the choice, he said he would love to help mold the Phl U-14 or U-16 side.

In line with his new endeavor, the 32-year-old Caligdong has also joined the coaching staff of the La Salle-Zobel team vying in the UAAP juniors football hostilities.

Last November 2014, Caligdong announced his retirement from international competitions after more than 10 years with the Phl team. He, however, has remained an active player in the UFL.

Caligdong explained that he wanted to give way to younger players who could serve the Azkals better.

“Iyung level ng laro, yung demand ng laro, sobrang taas na. Kung makakatapos ako ng 45 minutes, at iyung mas bata makakatagal ng 90, 110 minutes, ibigay na lang namin dun sa mas makakapagbigay ng mas magandang service (The level and demand of the game are too high now. If I can play high-level for 45 minutes, and there are younger players who can make 90 or 110 minutes, let’s give it to them),” he said.