Under-23 Azkals keep slim hopes

THE PHILIPPINE Under-23 men’s football team is ready to justify its inclusion in the PH delegation to the Southeast Asian (SEA)  Games in Myanmar late this year.

With the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) carefully scrutinizing delegates to the biennial event particularly in team sports, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Under-23 Azkals’ participation.

Based on the current criteria for inclusion, which only guarantees medalists from previous SEA Games to make the grade and get funding from the PSC, the Under-23 Azkals are in danger of missing the cut.

But Dan Palami, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) national teams’ committee head, yesterday remains hopeful that the side, which has already started its preparations with a friendly against Singapore two weeks ago, will get the PSC and POC nod.

“There are private sponsors willing to support and spend for the team so I hope they consider it (our participation),” said Palami, who also helped fund the Under-23 Azkals SEA Games two years ago.

PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta has remained adamant in sending the team to the Games, stressing that the Philippines could be the only one missing out on the tournament with all countries expected to participate.

The Philippines’ stock has improved tremendously in the region following back-to-back semifinal finishes in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

“If we don’t play we might be the only country not participating in men’s football in the SEA Games,” said Araneta.