KICK OFF PH

Philippine national football team member and AFC Cup all time leading scorer, Bienvenido Marañon runs own football academy, the Negros Academia de Futbol. Photo: Negros -Academia de Futbol In pursuit of achieving the country's football dream, a very novel initiative has been launched by national team player and AFC Cup all time leading scorer, Bienvenido Marañon. The Spanish born forward will officially inagurate the opening of the Negros Academia de Futbol tomorrow (November 4, 2022), at the Bacolod Central District Speedway football pitch. The academy aims to provide kids with a positive sporting environment that will nurture their innate passion for the game of football.  "The idea of building an academy came about when I was playing for Ceres. After my 4 year stint with the busmen, I saw and lived the passion, the support, the love and how much the people and kids like football in Bacolod," said Marañon. "Bacolod is the city where I feel identified. It is the ci

Cebu Football Club has acquired the services of Hatayspor U19 players, Arda Çinkir,  Nazim Özcan and Mert Altinöz. for this season. Photo: Lütfu Savaş Cebu Football Club strengthens partnership with Turkish Süper Lig side Hayatayspor by signing academy players Nazım Özcan, 19 (CB), Arda Çınkır,19 (FW) and Mert Altınöz, 19 (RW) to their roster. An agreement has also been reached between Cebu Football Club and Hatayspor for the acquisition of services of club legends Mehmet Kakil and Levent Özturk which will serve as head coach and assistant coach for Cebu this season. In a separate Facebook post, Hatay Metroplitan Mayor Lütfu Savaş also stated that the partnership with Cebu FC is a "great opportunity for young footballers to gain experience."  It can be recalled that earlier this year Cebu FC, through its founder and CEO Ugur Tasci, has partnered with Hatayspor to develop football between the city of Hatay and Cebu.  Cebu Football Club strengthens partnership with Turkish Süp

The Philippines qualified for the World Cup for the first time on Sunday following a 4-3 penalty win over Chinese Taipei. Following up on their sensational performance in the group stage that saw them win against long-term rival Thailand and then followed by a gallant fight against  Australia, the Philippines time and time again rose to the occasion and made history on Sunday night that inspired a whole new generation of aspiring Filipino footballers.  Quinley Quezada broke the deadlock and put the Philippines ahead after 49 minutes before Chinese Taipei levelled through Zhou Li-ping at the 82nd minute. After a grueling 120 minutes’ playing time had failed to separate Philippines and Chinese Taipei,  the match went to a penalty shootout. Then it was penalties. Sara Castañeda scored first for the Philippines before Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-yu kept out Hali Long and Jessica Miclat. Tahnai Annis,  Olivia McDaniel, and Sarina Bolden  all finished for the Philippines to end the s

The Philippines U23 Squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup  Qualifiers  The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced on Thursday its squad for the AFC U23 Asian Cup  Qualifiers which begins later this month in Singapore. The Philippines is in Group H and will begin its qualification process on October 25 against title holders South Korea, with games against Singapore and Timor - Leste slated for October 28 and 31, respectively.  Azkals U23 head coach Scott Cooper has refreshed his squad with some new faces for the upcoming U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. The English tactician has selected his squad of 23 players for the campaign as the Philippines will be aiming to secure a spot in the final tournament for the first time in its history.  In order to get there, the Azkals must finish the campaign on top of their group or finish as one of the four best placers in each group.  Here are the players that have been selected: Goalkeepers : Quincy Kammeraad (Azkals Development Team), Jessie Semblan

Molde youngster Lloyd Fagerlie has been called into the Philippines senior squad. Photo: Rbnett.no Despite being left out of the final lineup for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Lloyd Fagerlie has nothing but gratitude to the Azkals management led by head coach Scot Cooper for giving him the chance to train with the seniors team. "Getting to know everybody within the organization has been a blessing and a true joy to be a part of," said Fagerlie. "Th e camp has been very instructive, and a very good experience," added the Molde FK academy product. The 18-year-old midfielder has been ruled out of the final lineup as he dealt with visa issues. "It's unfortunate that I wont be joining the team in the qualifiers because I didn't get my visa on time," said Fagerlie. Instead of delving on the negatives, Fagerlie said he is looking at the bright side and is ready to put all his learnings into action as he reports back to his mother club in Norw

Niko De Vera reaffirms duty for the Philippine Azkals. Photo: Niko De Vera The 24-year-old defender has been called up once again to represent the Philippines National Team in the upcoming training camp in Doha that will take place in preparation for the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers running from June 3-15. The Azkals will train in Doha and will have two international friendly matches against Palestine and Syria. Following the friendlies, Azkals head coach Scott Cooper will select the final  roster that will play against Guam on June 3, followed by China on June 9, and Maldives on June 15. Reacting to the news, De Vera described the call up as a "blessing" "It’s a blessing to be called up to the Azkals. I am ready to give it my all and help the team any way I can to get the wins we need," said De Vera who traces his family's roots back to Cebu City. For De Vera, he's out to fill whatever role he'll be given. And aims to absorb all he can in the training camp

While Europe will always be the destination of choice for most players, there are a multitude of options in pro club football. Some of the more popular destinations are the Middle East, Japan, Korea or China mainly because of the financial incentives and the level of competition, but the interest in Thailand's Thai League is slowly gaining popularity and is steadily becoming the destination of choice for foreign players.  It has also opened doors for talented players from neighboring ASEAN countries thanks to the ASEAN quota rule.  For Ratchaburi Mitr Phol defender Luke Woodland, the Thai League is a great stepping stone to the big leagues in Asia. "All of us wants to play in the highest league possible," said Woodland. "For now, Thailand is a great place for us to get games and show ourselves in a top league to move into a bigger league again."  ASEAN Players in the Thai League 1 (2018-2020 Season) Since the introduction of ASEAN import ruling in 2018, a number