THE lack of promotions and less attendance of Filipino football fans during last Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup held in Manila and Bulacan have raised concerns.
Among those who noted these is Ricky Yanson, president of Negros Occidental Football Association (Nofa), who said that Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are open to host similar international football events in the future.
“We heard those concerns and the Philippine Football Federation should make their assessments on these issues and learn from it. I hope the federation and the Suzuki Cup organizers will consider Panaad Stadium as one of the venues in the future,” he said. “We are open to host such event in the future. We are always ready and I think we have proven it many times,” Yanson added.
Aside from the 2005 SEA Games, Panaad also hosted this year’s AFC Cup group stage featuring Ceres FC, Selangor FA of Malaysia, Tampines Rovers FC of Singapore, Lt. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club of Bangladesh, and South China AA of Hong Kong.
Panaad also hosted the last edition of AFC President’s Cup group matches in 2014 with Ceres FC, Tatung FC of Taipei, HTTU of Turkmenistan, and Rimyongsu of DPR of Korea.
Panaad Stadium also hosted the 2007 AFF Championship qualification, 2011 AFC Challenge Cup (Azkals vs. Mongolia); 2011 PFF Suzuki Cup U23 Finals, 2016 PFF-Smart Club Championships, and other national football competitions.
As for the team’s performance during the Suzuki Cup eliminations, Yanson said the country’s players really lack exposure, team work, and coherence.
“I think that’s a lesson learned for our coaching staff and that this will not happen again in the future,” he added. (HGD)