Azkals hounded by Negros fans at practice

Despite their team manager's appeal not to distract them at practice, members of the Philippine Azkals football team have found themselves hounded by their fans in Negros Occidental. Crowds – composed mostly of females wanting autographs and photo opportunities – followed the team wherever they went since they arrived in the province on Wednesday, the Visayan Daily Star reported Saturday. "We're happy to see these boys and girls watching the practice. Very encouraging... but of course some kind of discipline needs to be observed," said new German coach Michael Weiss. Still, Weiss said he considers the presence of the crowd more encouraging than disturbing. He also expressed confidence they can beat Mongolia. "We will beat Mongolia. That is a sure thing," Weiss said. The team is in Negros Occidental preparing for a February 9 match against Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup. At least 30 university security personnel were deployed to secure the practice field, even as screaming female students, from grade schoolers to colegialas, trooped to the pitch to watch the team. But instead of getting distracted, the Azkals focused on their practice. Weiss said having the game played in Negros is a good move since everyone was spared of the stress brought about by Manila traffic. "Here in Bacolod, we get to the venue in less than 15 minutes. This is better, much better," added Weiss, who had his share of football fans asking for his autograph and photo opportunities. Weiss also confirmed that there would be two friendly games for the team against a selection of players on Monday and Thursday. He said they will probably play the Monday game at the UNO-R pitch and the Thursday match at Panaad Stadium. Being with the Azkals for only two weeks, Weiss said he finds the players to be disciplined. While they still have to develop their game further, he said they have enough time to prepare for the game against Mongolia, and that he is looking forward to having the Filipino-foreign players joining the team soon. The Mongolian team had its own afternoon practice on Friday at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. – JVP, KY, GMANews.TV