Gier calls shots for SEAG Azkals

MANILA, Philippines — Former Azkals skipper Rob Gier is back, this time as coach of the Philippine Under-22 team gearing up for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia in May.

Gier, a vital cog in the Azkals’ three AFF Suzuki Cup semifinal appearances and runner-up finish in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, went into coaching after his retirement in 2016. This time, he brings with him the experience as head coach of Oxford University women’s football team and as the Women’s Academy Manager of Reading FC.

“I feel extremely proud and honored to be given the opportunity to represent the country again,” said Gier, a UEFA-A coaching license holder.

“Being involved in a coaching capacity for the national team has been an ambition of mine ever since I retired from playing so to be given the responsibility of overseeing the SEA Games campaign is something that I am really looking forward to.”