Under-19 men’s national team prepares for AFF tournament
THE Philippine U19 men’s national football team is stepping up its preparation as it competes in the ASEAN Football Federation men’s championship in July in Indonesia.
Coached by Reiji Hirata, the Philippine team will begin its campaign in Group A of the competition.
It will first take on Singapore on July 1 before facing Vietnam two days later. The Philippines then faces off with Indonesia on July 5, Thailand on July 7, and Laos July 9.
University Athletic Association of the Philippines rookie of the year Fidel Tacardon of the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons leads the team roster.
He is joined by the likes of Gio Pabualan of Far Eastern University, JR Suba of San Beda, Iloilo player Martini Rey and Jed Bode of De La Salle Zobel.
“These players have a lot of potential and are very creative,” said Mr. Hirata, who is the head of youth football development in the Philippines Football Federation and has also served the Chinese Taipei Football Association in youth national team coaching.
Mr. Hirata holds a Japan Football Association “A” license, the equivalent to an Asian Football Confederation “A.”
The U19 squad has already played two friendlies. One against San Beda’s college team, where it won 3- 0 with starters against starters, and then drawing 3- 3 with their second team.
It also faced Philippines Football League squad Davao Aguilas FC in a friendly, where it showed a gallant stand before bowing down, 4-2.
The team is using the PFF Artificial Turf Pitch in Carmona, Cavite within the San Lazaro Leisure Park as training venue, which has been a great help to their preparations, team officials said. —