The Hassanal Bolkiah Cup and the Philippines.

According to the PFF, the Philippines will be participating in next years Hassanal Bolkiah Cup(U21) competition which will be held late February in Brunei. It will probably be close to or overlap the FIFA friendly game to be held in the Philippines, Feb 29th against Malaysia. To be sure its going to be a very busy, if not the busiest year in Philippine soccer since, well, since 2011! Its good to be a soccer fan nowadays, even though we might still see more defeats than wins on the pitch. 

From a Mike Limpag report sometime in November this year, he has mentioned that Dan 'The Man' Palami has told him that participation is confirmed and they are currently LOOKING FOR A COACH for the team. OH THANK GOD, I say! Maybe now we won't see a forward and/or a midfielder starting at center back or fullback! A coach who put players in their natural positions, a coach who knows how to mold individuals into a team. A coach not afraid to use his bench. Something the oth... ahh, never mind.

Brunei has also offered to take care of our accommodations and for all transportation needs(in Brunei). Seeing that they are our immediate neighbors, it shouldn't be too much financially for the PFF. I hope we start putting the team together NOW so we won't have any excuses about lack of training time. Let me put on record though, that I'm not expecting any medals or podium finishes. Heck, a .500 record will be a win in my book considering some of our SEA opponents!

As I've checked the age of our SEAG contingent, here are the players still eligible for U21 competition:

Matt & Mark Hartmann , Patrick Hinrichsen, Mark Drinkuth, Jacques Van Bossche, Chris Camcam, Jingoy Valmayor, Raymark Fernandez, Jeff Christaens, Marwin Angeles, OJ Porteria, Paolo Pascual and Joshua Beloya ---> Imagine the possibilities if we have all these kids back for the Bolkiah Cup!

And hopefully if things work out we might get to see prospective Azkal, Luke Woodland from the youth team of the Bolton Wanderers FC. 

Oh by the way, I've got another U23 prospect whos got quite a pedigree. Interested PFF?  :-)

Win or lose, Go Philippines!!

Addendum: From a friend "in the know" a coach has already been selected and will be announced when the powers that be deem it appropriate. Speculations starting... now!