WHEN the Davao Aguilas released their line-up several weeks ago only one player caught my attention.
Former “Little Azkal” Amir Andre Amaikurut was the only player I knew in their line-up.
The only problem is that Amaikurut is only 14 years-old and will turn 15 only in December.
I know Amir. He was barely 11 years-old when I first met him in London in 2013 when he was part of the Philippine U11 team that trained in Loughborough, England.
He was one of the outstanding players of the team picked up from the football playing provinces to represent the country.
Their trip was financed by the British Council.
Aguilas CEO Chito Manuel saw him tryout for the Aguilas in Davao where in spite of his young age, made an impression.
He described him as a “Great potention Aguila.”
Of course, Amir is still too young to get a professional contract. Fifa ruling allows players who are only 18 years old and above to sign professional contracts.
But Amir, son of Anna Belle Teruel and Ali Amaikurut is not in a hurry also.
As of the moment he is busy preparing to represent Davao Region to the Palarong Pambansa on April 23-29 in Antique.
The Grade 7 student from Ateneo de Davao is probably the youngest player in the Davao Secondary Palaro team but he is already one of the tallest at 5 feet and 11 inches.
He also wants to play for his home club in the future and is thankful because the club will provide big opportunities for homegrown players from Davao.
“The Aguilas will be one of the hardest cubs to beat in the coming Philippine Football League although they are still a new club,” he said.
“It will be great to play for them in the future they represent my city. Aside from that I am also proud to be a Davaoeño and that someday I will represent my city in the country’s top division of football,” Amir added.
The Davao Aguilas is the only club representing Mindanao in the Philippine Football League which will kick off this month.
It was launched last week in the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum, Davao del Norte, their temporary home.
(l.biantan@gmail.com)