Dubai: The Philippines national football team - commonly known as the ‘Azkals' or Street Dogs - will play matches against Uzbekistan and the Australian Under-23 sides here next month.
The team will arrive in the UAE for their Middle East tour, which will also see them take on Qatari club side Al Ahli in Doha, on February 7.
They will then take part in a training camp in Dubai before taking the Uzbek Olympic team at Al Nasr's Al Maktoum Stadium on Frebruary 11. After a trip to Qatar for their match against Al Ahli on February 13, the Azkals return to Dubai and play their final match against Australia's under-23s on February 16, again at Al Nasr.
That final match will most likely be the biggest test the Pinoy players will face, as the men from Down Under are preparing for their upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers for London 2012.
It is estimated that there are as many as half a million Filipino expats residing in the UAE, meaning tickets for the matches will be highly sought after.
The team will be based at the Asiana Hotel and during their stay they will a visit to a Filipino school to meet the children, sign autographs and enjoy a kickabout.
The two players that are sure to get the most attention are the Younghusband brothers, James and Phil. The Fil-Brits, who are the pin-ups of many adoring female fans, both started their football careers at English giants Chelsea before heading back to their roots in the Philippines in 2008.
Since then their popularity has exploded and their celebrity has helped raise the popularity of football in the Philippines, which has always come second to basketball in the participation stakes.
With players based both at home in the Philippines and internationally, this tour provides an ideal opportunity for head coach Michael Weiss to bring his players together for an extended period. The UAE was chosen for its central location, making it easier for players from the Far East and the west to come together.
Dubai is a popular choice for many of the world‟s biggest club and international teams in the winter with its excellent facilities, ideal climate and great entertainment.
But Weiss has promised it won't all be fun in the sun for the Azkals players, as they have some serious work to do. He said: "We have one month before the Challenge Cup and we need to use the time wisely. The UAE is producing some very attractive football and it's fast becoming attractive to the Europeans. That is why we have chosen Dubai.
"It's important for a developing country like ours to get the experience of playing high quality opposition.‟ The Azkals, despite being one of the oldest international teams in Asia, have never qualified for the Asian Cup or World Cup. Without the opportunity to play in the big tournaments, fans see the Challenge Cup as their big hope of seeing their team lift some silverware."
Tickets for the matches will be available from February 2 onwards from selected Giordano outlets, Orlando Sports outlets and Virgin Megastores in Dubai and across the UAE. There are three price categories for the UAE games, Category B tickets cost Dh50, Category A Dh75 and VIP Dh165.
The tour is being organised by leading sports marketing agency Mediapro Middle East.
