A steady drizzle did not stop the Philippine Azkals from gracing yesterday’s opening of the 15th Aboitiz Football Cup, which gathered about 4,000 spectators and players combined at the Aboitiz Sports Field in barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
Augusto “Sonny” Carpio III of Aboitiz said this is the first time that an Aboitiz Cup opening ceremony gathered these number of people despite the bad weather.
The Azkals, the country’s national men’s football team, were with head coach Hans Michael Weiss and team manager Dan Palami.
Although Carpio attributes this to the presence of the Azkals, he is also crediting the Cebu Football Association (CFA) for coming up with a new scheme to bring back the prestige of the tournament.
Hostilities will formally begin on Nov. 24.
Tournament director Glenn Quisido said they are eyeing two venues for the tournament to accommodate all games.
Aside from the Aboitiz Sports Field, they are planning to hold games at the Cebu City Sports Center. However, this will still have to be confirmed in a meeting later in the week.
Participating teams and spectators were delighted when the Philippine Azkals arrived right in time for the ceremonial kick.
Despite the rains and the muddy field, members of the men’s national team came down the bus for a meet and greet.
Unmindful of the rain they shook hands, signed autographs and had their photos taken with fans.
The Azkals were supposed to lead the participants in the fun games but plans changed because of the bad weather.
The Azkals cut off their training camp to come to Cebu early for their international friendly match against Singapore Lions on Nov. 15 and to be able to grace the opening ceremony of the Aboitiz Cup.
Asked what the team can promise the Cebuanos in the friendly match, Philippine Azkals team captain Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong said they will be giving their 101 percent effort in the game.
“We will play our best, we will give it a good fight,” Caligdong said.
He said they will not underestimate Singapore, a three-time champion in the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The team captain said the team is in good condition especially that they’ve been having continuous training in Manila.
“The core of our lineup for the friendly is made up mostly of young guys and it is the same lineup that played in the Peace Cup,” Caligdong said. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON