MANILA,Philippines — Sisimulan ng Philippine national Under-22 at women’s squad ang kanilang kampanya sa pagharap sa magkaibang karibal ngayong araw sa 30th Southeast Asian Games football competitions sa Rizal Memorial Football Stadium sa Manila at Biñan Stadium sa Laguna.
Pamumunuan ni Azkals skipper Stephan Schrock ang PH Under-22 squad na sasabak kontra Cambodia sa alas-8 ng gabi sa Group A, habang masisilayan din ang bakbakan ng Malaysia at Myanmar sa alas-4 ng hapon sa Rizal Memorial.
“We will take it one match at a time. The first game is always very important and if they follow our instructions and give their best, our boys can win,” sabi ni Serbian coach Goran Milosevic na makakasama sa coaching staff si assistant coach Ramadani Rezidrdan-Kiza.
Aariba naman ang Malditas laban sa powerhouse Myanmar sa alas-8 ng gabi sa Group A at magtutuos ang Vietnam at defending champion Thailand sa alas-4 ng hapon sa Group B sa Biñan, Laguna.
“The quality that these coaches bring (to the team) is making a huge difference. Their dedication has been excellent and has impacted our players. They based their selection on talent, skill and merit,” dagdag ni Stallion FC coach Ernie Nierras na bahagi rin ng coaching staff.
Masaya si Milosevic na mismong si midfield maestro Schrock ang nagboluntaryo para maging bahagi ng national team.
Pinapahintulutan ng SEA Games council na magpasok ng isang beteranong manlalaro sa bawat Under-22 team na kalahok sa biennial meet.
“He (Schrock) commands a lot of respect among our players so we are grateful he was willing to joins us as far back as three months ago. He is a like a coach on the pitch and can execute our ideas; he is one of the best players in Asia,” ani Milosevic.
Para kay national women’s coach Marnelli Dimzon, nais ng Malditas na makabawi sa Myanmar na tumalo sa kanila sa AFF women’s football championships noong Agosto sa Chonburi, Thailand.