MANILA, Philippines — Underlining their desire to return to the top of the United Football League, the Loyola Meralco Sparks are parading a strengthened roster as well as a new coach in Simon McMenemy for the coming UFL season that starts with the FA League Cup on Saturday.
McMenemy is no stranger to Philippine football, having steered the Azkals to a semifinal finish in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup that served as a springboard for the sport’s renaissance in the country.
His appointment as Sparks coach will reunite McMenemy with some of his players during his time with the national side, including Phil and James Younghusband and Anton del Rosario, who recently transferred from Kaya.
“I think we have the best squad in the league,” said McMenemy, who was formally introduced during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at Shakey’s Malate.
The Sparks, who won the UFL Cup last December but finished second to Global in the league competition, underwent a massive facelift during the offseason, acquiring Jamal Fenelon, Charlie Beaton, Reuben Silitonga, Jorrel Aristorenas, Eddie Mallari, William Guerridon, Max Wright, Brian Fredrick, Josh Grommen and goalkeeper Pedro Marenco to beef up the squad.
“This squad has worked incredibly hard,” said McMenemy. “This year, with the possibility of representing the Philippines in AFC competitions, there is a great motivation for me and the players.”
Also present during the forum were manager Armand Del Rosario, Sparks board of trustees Victor Genuino, and Elwyn Borromeo, AVP of Delimondo, Loyola Meralco’s new corporate partner.
Phil Younghusband said winning the league will be an uphill climb for the Sparks.
“It’s going to be a tough league, but we want to show we are the best football club in the country,” said Phil.