The Philippine Azkals national men’s football team leaves for Bahrain to get ready for two big tournaments in the coming months.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta expects the Azkals, with new coach Terry Butcher calling the shots, to be in top form when the AFF Suzuki Cup gets going in November and December and at their maiden appearance in the AFC Asian Cup in January 2019.
The Azkals will be in Bahrain during the September FIFA window to play against a Bahraini club side on Sept 7.
Then, they clash with the Bahrain national team on Sept. 11.
Next up, is another FIFA window in October.
And the PFF is setting a friendly game at home.
The PFF chief hopes that Rizal Memorial will still be available before it gets renovated in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“Our fans will get to watch our new team,” said Araneta.
In November, the Azkals will be in the five-team, round-robin group stage of the Suzuki Cup, which will banner a new home-and-away format.
The Philippines will host Singapore at Bacolod’s Panaad Stadium on Nov. 13 before playing either Brunei or Timor Leste away four days later.