MANILA (27 Jan 2011) – A handful of new faces will join the Philippines national team following the three-day trials which was conducted by new chief coach Hans Michael Weiss.
The team is being prepared for the AFC Challenge Cup match against Mongolia whom they will play against on 8 February at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
A total of 31 players were selected after trials at the University of Makati with the new faces being Fil-German Mark Drinkuth, William Espinosa-Guiridon, Patrick Herget, Oliver Poltschke and John Patrick Hinrichsen while Jerry Lucena has yet to arrive in Manila with Stephan Schroeck and Jason Sabio.
But Weiss will still able to rely on the regulars likes Philip and James Younghusband, gaolkeeper Neil Etheridge, Anton del Rosario, Jason de Jong, Christopher Camcam, Chieffy Caligdong, skipper Aly Borromeo, Joebel Bermejo, Yanti Barsales, Jerry Barbaso, Peter Jaugan, Rob Gier and Ian Araneta.
Others in the group include Edward Sacapano, Kristopher Relucio, Rey Mark Palmes, Nestorio Margarse, Chris and Simon Greatwich, Roel Gener and Mark Anthony Ferrer.
“There are many players to choose from. It is difficult because I have to first erase the players, who will not play a role, and find the players who have actually done business before,” said Weiss.
From the list of 31, Weiss will trim the squad to 25 players – a week before the match against Mongolia.
