Little Azkals gearing up for 2 exhibition matches vs Chelsea this weekend

MEMBERS of the Philippine Under 14 football team otherwise known as the Little Azkals are expected to arrive in Metro Manila today in preparation for their two exhibition matches against Chelsea FC U14 this weekend.

Their first match will be this Friday at 3 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium and both teams will meet again the next day Saturday at the Turf Bonifacio Global City at 4 p.m.

The team will be billeted at the PhilSports Arena, formerly known as the Ultra.

Little Azkals head coach Oliver “BingBing” Colina said he will immediately be conducting light drills for the team this afternoon for team bonding and assessment so he can plot out their game plans for tomorrow’s morning and afternoon practices.

The last time that the national U14 has played together was in October, where they clinched the first runner-up honors in the 5th Pintaflores National U16 Invitational Football Cup in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Colina said he will also focus on the team’s tactical skills such as set plays, formation and positioning and review their plays before.

“We will improve what needs to be improved, correct the weaknesses and their positioning because there were some members who were not in San Carlos and are now able to join the team against Chelsea FC,” Colina said.

Aside from preparing physically, Colina said they will also be preparing mentally for the two exhibition matches such as the level of their maturity especially that the last time they had gone up against U17 teams.

Colina added that it will not matter much if they are not able to practice in the two venues, what is important is that they are able to practice together. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON