How did the Azkals get to where they are now? How did Philippine football become so popular? Why are we even talking about football in this basketball-mad country? Let’s just say that all this didn’t happen overnight. This all came from people who dream about these things and make it happen. One of them was a lover of football who not only dreamt big for football. He acted, worked on it and got it done; and the rest is history. And it’s still taking place as we speak.
Dan Palami is his name. If you haven’t heard of him, then you haven’t been following Philippine sports, have you? It was Dan who dreamt or let’s say followed the “think it and it will happen” formula, and this is why Philippine football is enjoying its highest moments, and is experiencing a never-ending momentum ride to greater heights. Where were you in December 2010? The Tiger Cup was being played and the underdog Azkals stunned Singapore by forcing a 1-1 draw and then surprised Vietnam, 2-0 to make it to the semifinals of the biggest tournament for Southeast Asia. The man behind this? Dan the man! Ever since that crucial breakthrough, Philippine football has progressed immensely with the whole country caught up with the football virus. The country’s premier league, the United Football League (UFL) now features some of the Fil-foreigners who play for the Azkals, thus increasing the level of play of our local players. Countryside development has also picked up, thanks to the influence of the Azkals. And although we’re still many years away from being a strong contender in the Asian scene, we can’t help but be very positive with all these developments.
If Cebu wants in on this momentum, then let’s learn from Dan himself. To think is to create. A simple dinner that officers of the Cebu Football Association had with Dan made all think, dream and move to get things going for Cebu Football. We thought about the Azkals playing an international friendly game in Cebu and he went along and guided us. While Dan discussed his plans for the training schedule for the Azkals, he immediately challenged the group to think big and host what could be the final tune-up friendly before they leave for the Tiger Cup. So mark your calendars. November 15 is the day when the Azkals will play the strongest team of the opposite group in the Tiger Cup. Since the drawing of lots will be done on July 11, we’ll have enough time to invite whichever strong team sits on the other side and set things up on the local front. Will it be easy? No. Will it be beneficial for Cebu Football? For Philippine Football? Then let’s do this! This was the common sentiment and battlecry.
The timing is just right. The Azkals leave for the United States in August for a series of tune-up games and a training camp. They then play in the Tong Leng Cup in mid-October in Bacolod, an event which we could’ve hosted easily if we had a venue with international standards. International standards? None in Cebu? Accept it and let’s do this. CFA President Ricky Dacay is working to improve the pitch at the Cebu City Sports Complex and we’re confident that Mayor Mike Rama and Ricky Ballesteros will be more than excited to get this done for the city. The grass is the main concern but it’s not an impossible task. Bleachers can be added to accommodate the expected spectators, while the dressing rooms, lockers and facilities in the sport complex can also get a make-over. Lights will also be added since the game will most likely be played at night. Hotels and meals? No problem. We have a surplus of these. Transportation and accessibility? Check. Fans? They’ll come from all over the Visayas and Mindanao. Prayers? We’ll all pray together for its success. Pit Senyor! This is sports tourism working at its best and it is our wish that all sectors unite and work together to get this done. The opponent? “Don’t worry about that, I’ll take care of it. Everyone wants to play the Azkals,” Dan would say.
The challenge is set. Let the planning wheels get going. All for Cebu Football.
Let’s do this!
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Time-out: Heads up: Join the St. Ignatius Run 2012. Saturday, July 28, 2012, at the Insular Square in Mandaue. >>> You can reach me at bleachertalk@yahoo.com.