AC-bound Azkals train in Australia, Bahrain

MANILA, Philippines — To gear themselves up for their milestone debut in 2019 Asian Cup, the Philippine Azkals intend to hold separate training camps in Bahrain and Australia and play against their respective national sides.

Speaking at yesterday’s The Business of Football Convention, team manager Dan Palami announced they’re going to Bahrain in September for workouts and friendlies against the Bahraini national team and one top-flight club while eyeing similar sessions Down Under in October with a targeted game versus the 2015 Asian Cup winner Socceroos.

“In the September Fifa dates, we’re doing a camp in Bahrain. We’ve already settled Sept. 11 against them and Sept. 7 against a strong club there to keep ourselves fit and ready,” said Palami.

“We’re also writing Australia for the October Fifa dates so we can have a game against them. Hopefully, they’ll accept it. But if not, we need to have a friendly against one of the teams that are going to the World Cup. That’s the plan,” he added.

Palami said management and the Philippine Football Federation are taking their time “evaluating” coach Thomas Dooley if he’ll be given a fresh contract and other applicants vying for the coaching position. The decision will be announced on June 14.