MANILA, Philippines - Stay focused and resolute. That's the challenge of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richie Garcia to the members of the Philippine football team as they leave this Tuesday for Jakarta to challenge the might of Indonesia in the Final Four of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
For better result, Garcia advised the Nationals not to be distracted by the ongoing leadership crisis within their association. "Let them solve it. Forget what is happening in your federation and don't let anyone affect your game," Garcia said during the team's courtesy call at the PSC office on Monday.
The Nationals will face Group A topnotcher Indonesia tomorrow at the 80,000-capacity Geloga Bung Karno Staidum in Jakarta, Indonesia. The game is supposed to be played in the country but since there's no venue that can pass the strict standard of the Asian Football Federation (AFF), the game has been reset to Jakarta. Vietnam offered to host the supposed "home" game of the PH booters but the AFF turned it down. The crucial second game will also be played in Jakarta. Regarding the issue about the venue, Garcia said they will make a study in order to have a venue that can meet the international standard. The Nationals earned the right to meet Indons after finishing second behind Vietnam in their group. They highlighted their historic feat by blanking Vietnam, 2-0, during their match aside from holding Singapore - another regional power - to a 1-1 draw. Meantime, PH coach Simom McMenemy was furious with statement made by Philippine Football Federation president Mari Martinez, saying he will revamp the national team after the Suzuki Cup. "It was outright disrespectful to the team and scandalous," said McMenemy. Although the majority of the PFF Board has already elected Mariano "Nonong" Araneta as the new president of the association, the AFF is still recognizing Martinez as PFF head.
