Despite need for financial aid, Azkals want to focus on playing

Members of the Philippine national men's football team want to continue playing for flag and country as their fulltime job, even as they seek more financial support that would help address their everyday needs. "A little help from the private sector or from the government would really help the players in general," Aly Borromeo, the team captain of the squad more popularly known as the Azkals, told reporters in an interview on Wednesday. Borromeo, who attended Wednesday's Senate Games, Amusement, and Sports committee hearing, explained that he and some of his teammates – such as Anton Del Rosario and brothers Phil and James Younghusband – can't regularly attend training camp and practice because they still have to go to work. "We can't really focus on playing for the national team as much as we want to. It's kinda difficult for us. We would definitely like it to be a fulltime job. But if we can support and sustain our families, and pay our bills, then that would be really good," he added. On the other hand, he said they are getting enough in terms of equipment. "All I can think of is taking care of the players. We're the ones here who make the country proud di ba (isn't that right)?" he said. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who presided over the hearing, acknowledged that there is a need to "strengthen" the Azkals' corporate sponsorship in order to increase their allowances. "Kung aasahan lamang natin ang Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), napakaliit po ng budget nila for player allowances. Kailangan talagang humanap ng corporate sponsor (We can't rely only on the PSC because it only has a small budget for player's allowances, so we really need to look for a corporate sponsor)," he said after the hearing.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Things to look forward to Borromeo, however, remained confident that they will still do well in their games against Mongolia in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Challenge Cup on February 9 and March 16 despite their current problem. The first match will be held at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City. "I think we have a good chance, especially since we are playing in front of our countrymen, and all of our fans that would give us a boost and give us the extra energy we need. So I think we'll be able to produce a victory for you guys," said the Azkals team captain. Earlier, the AFF had said that it was thinking of giving the hosting rights for the 2012 Suzuki Cup to the Philippines if it can meet the requirements for the biennial tournament. Zubiri said that there are ongoing talks with retail mogul Henry Sy for the creation of an indoor stadium near the SM Mall of Asia that may accommodate around 30,000 to 40,000 people. "It is a dream...ito ang mga hakbang natin para lalong umunlad at lumakas ang ating Philippine football sports program dito sa ating bansa (so we are taking steps that will strengthen the Philippine football sports program in the country)," he said. He added that they are also looking into renovating the Panaad Stadium and the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila through corporate sponsorships to be able to comply with international standards. - JVP, KY, GMANews.TV