By Cedelf P. Tupas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines -- The International Football Federation (Fifa) has approved a $500,000 (P21.72 million) grant for the construction of an artificial football pitch in Para�aque City.
Philippine Football Federation president Mariano �Nonong� Araneta told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Tuesday that the Fifa gave the green light to the plan, which the international federation called Goal Project 2, in a meeting last Monday.
Domeka Garamendi, the former PFF secretary general who is now development officer at Fifa, informed Araneta about the grant.
The 1.5-hectare lot for the proposed pitch was donated by charismatic religious leader Bro. Mike Velarde.
It will take six months to finish the project, according to Araneta, and the Fifa grant will only cover the construction of the pitch.
Dan Palami, the manager of the national football team who was also instrumental in securing the help of Velarde, said they have been eyeing a joint venture with a private firm to fund the construction of a grandstand.
Palami acknowledged that the lack of a training pitch has been one of the problems the Azkals have faced over the years.
�At least, we will have a home within the year,� said Palami, who also thanked sponsors of the Azkals� recent training camp in Baguio City, including the Baguio Country Club.
The Azkals are preparing for the second leg of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifying series against Mongolia in Ulan Bator on March 15. The Azkals won the first leg, 2-nil.
�It�s definitely a boost for Philippine football,� Araneta said of the project. �Having our own pitch will go a long way in our effort to develop the sport.�
Inquirer.net
No comments:
Post a Comment