Philippine booters pitch overseas training camps in buildup

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Football Federation is lining up international competitions and overseas training camps for both the men’s U-22 and women’s squads to gear them up for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games on home ground in November.

PFF president Nonong Araneta, who is fresh from receiving as second mandate as member of the powerful Fifa Council, said the U-22 Azkals are eyed for a stint at the Merlion Cup in June while the Malditas are set to do battle at the Asean Football Federation Women’s Championship in August.

 “We’re joining the Merlion Cup for the U-22 and we can always do the (training) camp in Qatar in preparation for the SEA Games.,” said Araneta.

The women’s side just came off a campaign in the second round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Football Qualifying Tournament and is looking forward to facing the likes of regional power Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Timor Leste in the pre-SEAG Asean bootfest.

“The women’s team is actually more exposed and they now have the AFF championships. After that we can camp, maybe ask China if they can help us with a camp,” he said.

Phl is staging men’s football at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, which needs construction of individual seats at the bleachers’ section to meet international standard, and the women’s division at Binan Stadium. At least two venues are needed for each division.

“We will prepare the teams but as far as preparations for the venues, that’s the concern of the organizing committee (Philippine SEAG organizing commitee),” he said.