Weiss checks venue for Azkals friendly

PHILIPPINE men’s national football team coach Hans Michael Weiss took the time off from his short vacation to visit the Cebu City Sports Center, which will host the friendly match between the Philippines and Singapore on November 15.

Though the facilities and equipment in the 14-year-old sports center, built for the 1994 Palarong Pambansa, are a far-cry from international standard, the German coach said Cebu can set a good start by improving on these things for future hosting of international friendlies.

“It is still behind international standards but not to put it in a bad light, this should be a start for improvements,” said Weiss, who inspected the pitch dugout and shower room.

Weiss, who spent some 30 minutes checking the pitch, also told the Cebu Football Association about the need to level the field.

Weiss also had a short kick-around with Francis Ramirez, who is part of the working committee, to test the pitch.

Ramirez said that they have already planted grass on those barren portions of the pitch and will still continue to put fertilizer to maintain the condition of the grass, which will undergo a series of mowing before a final one just five days before the game.

Ramirez said they have also noted the bumpy sections that need to be leveled and the deep portions that need to be filled.

Ticket sales

Weiss also said he is happy with the sales of the tickets, with 70 percent already sold. Some 3,000 tickets are left in the pink and the green areas and the soon to be installed extended bleachers.

CFA president Ricky Dakay assured Weiss that he and the other members of the board will do their best to deliver what’s needed.

“At least we will start on the right foot here and we will not stop on Nov. 15,” said Dakay.

Before the visit, Weiss was also the special guest in the football clinic by the Queen City United and the Minglanilla Football Club.

The event attracted 100 kids and a few teachers from Minglanilla Central School and it was part of QCU’s vision in promoting the sport at the grassroots level. (CDG/Sun.Star Cebu)