Chieffy wants early exposure for 19-U team

MANILA, Philippines - Former Azkals captain Chieffy Caligdong said he is in favor of exposing young turks to high-level competitions as early as now like what coach Thomas Dooley is doing with the likes of 19-year-old defender Amani Aguinaldo.

“As early as ma-expose sila sa laro (The earlier they get exposed to tough competitions), the better,” said Caligdong, now a C license coach who looks to break into the other side of the bench.

Caligdong retired from international playing duties last year to give way to younger, fresher players, who he felt can serve the country better than his 32-year-old legs. He has remained an active player in the United Football League, though.

“After two more years, mas magagaling na ang mga players natin na mas bata. Meron na tayong puhunan, hindi na tayo mahihirapan kung saan kukuha (Given two more years, our young players will mature and get better. It’s an investment for the future),” he said.

“Isipin mo yung ibang bansa, paano sila nagpe-prepare? Five years before the competition. Matalo man ngayon, reresbak sa final sa second competition. So iyun ang isipin din natin (Look at the other countries. How do they prepare? Five years before the competition. They may lose today but by their second competition, they will bounce back strong. That’s a point to ponder),” he also said.

Caligdong cited the case of Aguinaldo, who was thrust into the starting role in the 2014 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup and the 2014 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup after injury hit veteran Juani Guirado.

“Amani is a strong player, magaling na bata. Pero kung bibigyan natin siya ng chance next year pa, ano’ng makukuha natin sa kanya? Wala. Last year, alam niya nag-contribute siya at nakita niya ano kulang niya. After two years, alam na niya paano dalhin ang back four. Pero kailangan muna mag-learn siya. Kami naman dumaan din sa ganyan bago natuto.

“(If we give Aguinaldo his shot much later, what development can we expect? Now he’s able to play and see what needs to be improved on. In two years’ time, he’ll be a senior and knows how to lead the back four),” he said.

Caligdong is set to join the coaching staff of one of the national youth teams that will compete abroad this year. He has also come in as an assistant coach for De La Salle-Zobel’s football team in the UAAP juniors competitions.