Weiss disappointed at being replaced after Azkals’ rise in rank

FORMER Philippine Azkals coach Michael Weiss is obviously disappointed over his being replaced after having brought the national team from a FIFA ranking of No.160, when he took over to 127, when he was dumped.

“Of course, I am disappointed to be taken out of the opportunity for which I have worked very hard together with the staff and the players for three years. To be taken away, this dream to go to the Asian Cup for the Philippines and the Filipino people is a sad thing,” Weiss told the Manila Standard. “It happens in football where people have the right to make decisions like that.”

The German coach also lamented the fact that he “didn’t get the support we needed to make the team stronger and to prepare accordingly for the Challenge Cup, which was my ultimate target.”

Weiss was denied the opportunity when the Philippine Football Federation and Azkals manager Dan Palami replaced him with American Thomas Dooley, who played for the United States in two World Cups, just months before the biggest challenge faced by the Azkals.

Despite the hurt caused by his ouster, Weiss said he wanted to “thank everyone, who supported me the last three years fantastically. Foremost were the players who have a fantastic character, the coaching staff and also the management even though I must say that 2013 was not so good anymore.”

He claimed that during the past year, he didn’t have the support needed to make the team stronger and prepare accordingly for the Challenge Cup.

“The numbers don’t lie. I don’t want to place it only on my shoulders. It’s the team and I am part of the team. I am very happy being part of this experience,” said Weiss.

He said the PFF and manager Palami have their reasons for his replacement. “We have to accept this and move one.”

At present, there are some unsettled financial issues which include incentives for past achievements, but Weiss isn’t keen on getting into the details which, he believes, “is not something for the public.”

Thomas Dooley bringing in new Azkals

MANILA, Philippines — There could be a slew of new faces seeing action for the Philippines when it plays a couple of friendlies early next month as part of its buildup for the AFC Challenge Cup.

Coach Thomas Dooley, who took over early this month, is keen to test some of the local-based players for the match against Malaysia on March 1 in Kuala Lumpur, with most Europe-based players unavailable for the game and several key players injured.

Among the players expected to see action against Malaysia is Martin Steuble, the Fil-Swiss midfielder, who traces his roots in Bacolod.

Steuble who secured his Philippine passport recently, plays in the Swiss league.

“I want to give players experience and show me what they have to offer for the team,” Dooley told the Inquirer.

Dooley has tested several new players and returnees, including Kaya’s Anton Del Rosario and former Loyola striker Chad Gould as well as teenager Kenshiro Daniel.

They join the initial pool bannered by veterans Chris Greatwich, Ed Sacapano, Patrick Reichelt and Jeffrey Christiaens.

Azkals manager Dan Palami said that Phil and James Younghusband could be rested for the match against Malaysia to allow them to recover from injuries, while Chieffy Caligdong has already been ruled out of the clash because of a foot injury.

“Coach Dooley may try out some new players. He may experiment but this is just one of the steps we need to take in our mission to win the Challenge Cup,” Palami said.


source: sports.inquirer.net

Globe taps Azkals skipper Caligdong for grassroots program

MANILA, Philippines -- Azkals skipper Chieffy Caligdong will spearhead Globe Telecom's Football Para sa Bayan 2014, a grassroots program for underprivileged youth.

Caligdong, who also plays for Globe Telecom-bankrolled Green Archers United in the United Football League (UFL), will grace the launching of football tournaments in Metro Manila and Iloilo.

The Manila leg will kick-off this weekend, February 22, while Caligdong's homecoming in Iloilo where hails from the town of Pototan, will lbe launched on March 8 to 9.

The Metro Manila event will be held in partnership with the Philippine Navy at the Fleet-Marine football grounds in Taguig City while the Iloilo leg will be conducted in Sta. Barbara, about 16 kilometers from the city proper.

“The festivals will serve as a platform where in kids, regardless of their socio-economic background can enjoy the sport of football. At the same time, these events can serve as an inclusive platform for socially advantaged and less advantaged teams to interact and work together. We also want to capitalize on the sport to achieve our desired impact:  for children to stay in school, aspire for higher marks, and be in a position to vie for scholarships both athletic and academic,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Globe's Football Para sa Bayan 2014 will bring together 35 community football teams composed of underprivileged youth not only to compete but to interact, and share best football practices with 35 other teams from varsities of private schools and private football clubs.

The Manila leg will be participated by about 900 kids and young adults under the  7-17 age bracket.

All 35 community football teams will be supported by Globe via free inclusion into the tournament.

Globe and Caligdong are hoping that through this tournament, underprivileged players are given access to high-level competition and opportunities to network and to get scouted by private schools and teams for possible scholarships.

Over at Iloilo, about 1000 kids from football communities are expected to join the 2nd Football Para Sa Bayan festival in Caligdong's home province, which will also include a football clinic.

Globe Football Para Sa Bayan is a year-round football campaign of the giant telecommunications company to bring the program around the country to impact nation-building in a big way.

Football is just the first step in Globe sports advocacy as the company continues to develop various sports programs for its CSR communities.