Monday, 1 August 2011

2 collegiate standouts to join U-23 team

TWO collegiate standouts from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and a Fil-Belgian aspirant are being considered for the national under-23 men�s football team, which is in the thick of preparations for the coming Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

National coach Hans Michael Weiss is keeping an eye on the likes of La Salle goalkeeper Patrick Deyto, University of the Philippines striker Jinggoy Valmayor and Fil-Belgian defender Jacques Van Bossche.

The three have shown interest in being a part of the national squad and are among the many 30 aspirants picked to join the practices with the Philippine Azkals, while they were preparing for the 2014 World Cup qualifying games against Kuwait over the past two months.

Weiss believes that with the new pool of talents, the Philippines will have chance to become a contender again in the World Cup in four years� time.

�With this effort, we have a chance, and a good group to be developed, with a good average age and new players coming in,� said Weiss.

The 6�1� Deyto could take the place of Fil-British goalie Neil Etheridge, who is unsure of his commitment, and may not see action in the SEA Games. Peter Atencio

Manila Standard Today

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