Ceres Negros signs up veteran Azkals defender Alvaro

Looking to contend in different competitions this season, Ceres Negros acquired Filipino international Alvaro Silva to shore up its defense in preparation for its AFC Champions League and the Philippines Premier League campaigns.

One of the standouts of the Azkals’ run in the AFF Suzuki Cup and the AFC Asian Cup, the 34-year-old Silva brings a wealth of experience to an already formidable Ceres side, which has won the last two domestic titles.

Silva has played for Malaga in the Spanish La Liga, but also had stints in Kuwait, Romania, Azerbaijan, South Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Strong in the air and a solid physical presence on the ball, the Azkals centerback was instrumental in keeping South Korea at bay in the Philippines’ 1-0 defeat in its AFC Asian Cup debut last month in Dubai.

“I coached him in Spain a long time ago and I know what he’s capable of,” said Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic, whose team begins its AFC Champions League preliminary round campaign against Myanmar champion Yangon United on Tuesday night in Bacolod City.

“We are getting a really good player who can easily make an impact with leadership and presence.”

Silva’s acquisition along with former Kaya Iloilo star Miguel Tanton and Davao Aguilas players Dennis Villanueva and Dylan de Bruycker eases the impact of the loss of Patrick Reichelt and Manny Ott.

Reichelt signed for Melaka United in the Malaysian Super League. Ott moved to Thai Premier League side Ratchaburi Mitr Pohl.