Tiny Caligdong stands tall as chief Azkal

MANILA, Philippines - Chieffy Caligdong considers himself as a living proof that height and European pedigree are not the sole requirement to gain significance in an Azkal uniform.

The only homegrown, local-trained player in a starting XI bannered by Fil-foreign pros like Fil-British Phil Younghusband, Caligdong seemingly designated himself as the team’s fire-brand, booting in the opening salvo in the side’s two recent home matches that set the tone for wipeouts.

“Gusto kong ipakita na kahit ako ang pinakamaliit, malaking bagay din ako sa team (I want to show that despite being the smallest player I’m still a big factor for the team),” said the 5-foot-5 Ilonggo.

Caligdong stood tall for the Azkals Sunday when he let loose a left foot shot that eluded the Sri Lanka goalie Manjula Fernando, hit the wet post and got in, leading to the Air Forceman’s now famous “I’m-flying-like-a-plane” run amid the rains. 

That opened up scoring for the Azkals who went away with a 4-0 whitewash over the Brave Reds en route to a 5-1 win on aggregate goals and a milestone spot in the second round of the Fifa World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

“Noong Sabado pa lang ng gabi, may pakiramdam na ako na ako yung makaka-first goal (I had a feeling that I’d score the first goal as early as last Saturday),” he said.

The diminutive booter also opened scoring for Phl in its 2-0 triumph over Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying playoff back last February in Bacolod, showing he really is a star among the taller, heftier Fil-foreign bunch.

“Gusto ko pinapakita lagi sa kanila na kaya ng isang pure-blooded Pinoy na katulad ko na makipagsabayan sa mga Europeans, na pwede rin nating manguna (I want to show that a pure-blooded Pinoy like me can run toe-to-toe with Fil-foreigners and actually lead them),” said Caligdong, who was taken off the pitch on a stretcher Sunday due to leg strain but went back in to finish the match.

Younghusband and Fil-Spaniard Angel Guirado picked up from where Caligdong left off with the Fil-British ace shooting two goals despite a severe case of cramps.

“We had a scare because Phil was cramping all over after the game,” said team manager Dan Palami. “He really put all his effort there, show his fans that he’s not just a good-looking football player but a good football player.”

Younghusband is expected to be back in harness for the second round gig against Kuwait. “Nothing serious. Just a matter of rehydration,” Palami said.