Puzakals play Germans inside prison compound

MANILA, Philippines — It’s a match showing the power of sport to break barriers.

The Bilibid Puzakals, a football team made up of inmates of the Bilibid Prison, face the German Cranes on Saturday at the Sunken Garden inside the Medium Security Facility inside the National Bilibid Prison Compound.

The friendly match organized by the German Club in Manila, Hanns Seidel Foundation, the German Embassy and the Office of the Solicitor General, is part of the rehabilitation program for inmates.

“The prisoners you will see playing are people bent on changing, who want to give prisoners and prison a new face,” said Assistant Solicitor General Karl Miranda at a press conference Tuesday night.

Azkals coach Michael Weiss, a German, has been designated as a guest referee for the match.

“The Puzakals are excited to meet and play against their German friends,” said Assistant Solicitor General Karl Miranda, who is one of the prime movers of the event.

The Puzakals are made up of former varsity players who have played in local, regional and national tournaments, including the UAAP.

The German Cranes are comprised of expatriates who play football on weekends.

“Football is a passion for Germans and this is our way of supporting the programs in Bilibid which is also similar to programs in Germany,” said Michael Scheile, president of the German Club.