Azkals to hold training camp in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Philippine men’s football team Azkals return to football hotbed Bacolod to hold a weeklong training camp highlighted by a friendly against reigning PFF Suzuki Cup Under-23 champion Ceres-Negros First.

The Azkals are scheduled to arrive today for their camp, part of preparations for their next international campaign, the Long Teng Cup in Chinese-Taipei later this month.

Phl XI is slated to play Korean-reinforced Central Philippine University of Iloilo on Friday and national club champion Global FC on Sept. 11 before taking on Ceres-Negros First on Sept. 13.

All friendlies will be held before an expected huge crowd of Negrenses at the Panaad pitch, site of the Azkals’ well-followed conquest of Mongolia (2-0) in the AFC Challenge Cup playoff last February.

The match between the Azkals and Ceres-Negros team will also highlight the opening ceremony of the first Negros First Men’s Open Football Tournament, which will kick off on Saturday.

The Azkals are expected to parade a clew of new faces for the friendlies, including Fil-German Roland Mueller, a second choice keeper with MSV Duisburg, and Fil-Spanish defender Carlie Olai-Var de Murga.

For its part, Ceres-Negros will field in Homeless World Cup Phl team skipper Negrense Janrick Soriano, Lemuel Unabia and Jake Morallo to reinforce its cU-23 champion crew, according to coach Norman Fegidero.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has instructed the Provincial Sports Office to waive all charges for the spectators during the games, allowing more Negrense fans to see their idols in action.