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Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Priorities make us sink or swim

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The Philippine Football Federation is one of the few national sports associations in the country that have a sound grassroots program. When I say sound, it simply means that it has an ongoing grassroots program not only in Metro Manila, when it is convenient, and there is a need to mag-pabibo.

In the case of the PFF, its program involves almost all active football federations all over the country. While the PFF has concerns, like any normal NSA, things will hopefully get even better.

PFF President Nonong Araneta shared to The Designated Kit Man that their recent courtesy call with Noli Eala, the new Philippine Sports Commission Chief, went well. One of the bright moments of the meeting was when Comm. Noli expressed his desire to make football, among many sports, available to more kids or students in the country.

“Gusto kasi ng PSC makaroon sila ng grassroots for all the NSAs. Susuportahan namin ‘yan for sure at mas magiging maganda kasi in tandem with our own. The PSC would like to see more children play various sports. Gusto nila i-roll out ang mga grassroots programs nila,” Araneta said.

Araneta said aside from the PFF’s own resources, more funding will come from the PSC, which in turn, will be distributed to regional associations of the federation.

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Araneta bared, too, that after the friendlies in Costa Rica, the PFF is working on another tune up game for the Philippine National Women’s Football Team.

“May inaayos pa kami. Another friendly in November which we are currently working on pero no final details yet,” Araneta revealed.

The Filipinas are now in Costa Rica and will play the host for a pair of tune up games. The first game will be tomorrow at the Estadio Alejandro Soto in San Jose, Costa Rica. Kick off will be at 9 a.m., Manila time. The second game will be on October 11. Time and venue will be confirmed soon by the hosts.

Regarding the Philippine Azkals and preparations for the 2022 Mitsubishi Electric Cup, Araneta gave an update.
“I’m just waiting for the cue from Dan (Palami). Sabi niya sa October 18, may ipapakita siya na plano at pag-uusapan namin.”

Which brings us to former Azkals El Capitan Stephan Schrock. The skipper and part of the coaching staff of the Azkals Development Team said during a recent interview with 3PTS-Pambansang Tambayan ng Sports aired over DZME 1530 kHz that he is available to play for the Azkals in the Mitsubishi Cup.

“I will never turn my back on the team. I will play if they call me up,” Schrock said.

While it is true the Azkals’ camp has been silent in the past few weeks, Schrock said this is partly due to the fact that the team is in a transition. He explained that age has become a factor, with many Azkals not getting any younger, and there are discussions on how to best handle the Azkals’ campaign in the regional tournament that will run from mid-December until the early part of January next year.

“I think they will come up with a game plan for the next two years in the next three weeks so based on whatever will happen, it will be long vision rather than just shooting for winning the (Mitsubishi Electric) Cup and everything unfolds,” Schrock said.

He added that government support to the sport will come a long way for the Azkals not only in the Mitsubishi Cup but in forthcoming international tournaments as well such as the SEA Games, Asian Cup and even the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“We need a little luck. A little help. We are not demanding too much. And the 2026 World Cup is still a very realistic goal,” Schrock added.

Speaking of being real, noted player agent Danny Espiritu or Boss Danny to his players and friends revealed that he doesn’t believe much in written contracts. He said that in his more than 35 years in handling players, he never put a contract before his players in handling their careers. He only demanded respect and courtesy from his wards. He also made it clear that anyone can approach him.

“I don’t offer my services to anybody but I will never reject the request of any player whether he is class A, B, C or even D, E, F. Puwede nila sabihin, Boss Danny puwede po patulong? Ayos na ‘yun,” Espiritu said.

And if a player is not happy with the way Espiritu is handling his career, he can leave anytime without fuss or drama.

It is no wonder that until now, Boss Danny remains one of the more popular agents not only the Philippine Basketball Association but also in other leagues as well. He, however, has a simple thing to ask from his players, which I think should be the priority too of every athlete or aspiring professional player out there searching for his or her place under the sun.

“I really push for the education first for my players. Ngayon kung if you don’t follow me, hanap ka na lang ng ibang agent mo,” Espiritu added.

Like what Boss Danny said, priorities do matter. Whether in basketball, football or life. And we need to make our priorities straight and felt. Because at the end of the day, our priorities will either make us sink or swim against the many challenges we face day in and day out.

Please watch the 3PTS-Pambansang Tambayan ng Sports on Sunday, October 9, 2022, 2 to 3 p.m. at DZME 1530 kHz and the station’s FB page with The Designated Kit Man, Dennis Principe and Rommel Miranda. Featured guests include representatives of the Blackwater Bossing and ONE Warrior Series.

Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!

For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat

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