Ceres toughens up, tabs Schrock

MANILA, Philippines – Ceres-La Salle FC scored a major coup as it tabbed Azkals mainstay Stephan Schrock for its campaign in the United Football League and debut in the Asian Football Confederation Cup.

“The long awaited moment is happening for Philippine football – international Filipino footballer Stephan Markus Schrock is heading his way to the province of Negros Occidental next week to join the pride of Negros Ceres La Salle FC in preparation for the AFC Cup, UFL Cup, and UFL League 2016!” the club announced yesterday.

Ceres secured an ITC (International Transfer Certificate) from Schrock’s club in Germany, Greuther Furth. The Fil-German midfielder has struggled to get into the first team of Greuther Furth this season, making his move to the Philippines possible.

Schrock’s arrival is expected to fortify the already strong crew of Negros-based Ceres as it gears up for the UFL Cup beginning Feb. 6 and Group E hostilities of the AFC Cup.

He joined a stellar roster that includes fellow Nationals Martin Steuble, Juani Guirado, Manny Ott, Paul Mulders and Patrick Reichelt and foreign players Adrian Galardo, Bienvenido Marañon, Sang Min Kim, and Orman Okunaiya.

Ceres is set to mark its maiden appearance in the AFC Cup – Asia’s second-tier international club competition – on Feb. 23 with a home match against Malaysian side Selangor FC.

The Negros-based side is also pitted with Bangladesh club Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, and a Singapore team which could be either Tampines Rovers or Warriors FC in the double round robin group play.

Ceres reportedly beat another Phl club for Schrock’s services.

With Schrock plying his trade in Phl, he is expected to take the mantle as one of the biggest draws in the UFL. At the same time, this would make the 29-year-old dynamo available for a relatively longer time with the Azkals’ training.