The jubilant Philippine Azkals will have a new "home" fit for their heroic efforts when the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium undergoes a major facelift later this year.
As they press their bid to host the next AFC Challenge Cup � where the Azkals finished at a historic third place � and more international friendlies, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) entered into an agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to dress up the current home of the Azkals with a world-class artificial turf.
In addition, they will renovate the facilities that will include a bigger dugout for players, additional seating capacity and a media lounge.
"FIFA representatives have already inspected the Rizal pitch and the renovation is scheduled to take place after the FIFA Friendlies in June," said PFF President Mariano "Nonong" Araneta.
The Rizal pitch will host an international rugby tournament this summer before it will be closed to let the field rest for the friendlies in June, where the federation is expecting a complete national squad in those FIFA match dates.
The PFF is arranging to have ASEAN rivals, possibly Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, play the Azkals in the early weeks running up to the country's Independence Day as part of the squad's buildup for the AFF Suzuki Cup in December.
It can be recalled that the Azkals lost their rights to a home match in the Suzuki Cup semis last year against Indonesia due to the lack of a playing venue that met FIFA standards.
After the friendlies, the major facelift will get underway and is expected to be completed in two to three months.
philstar
No comments:
Post a Comment