Why everyone connected to Philippine football must support Global FC and Ceres Negros FC in the AFC

Why everyone connected to Philippine football must support Global FC and Ceres Negros FC in the AFC competitions

Global participation in the preliminary AFC Champions League and Ceres in the AFC Cup qualifying round is a big thing for Philippine football. It is a great feat for everyone, both locals and foreigners, that are involved or by any way connected to Philippine football.

Should the two clubs have a successful outing this 2017, Philippine league and football in general will continue to gain a high rating, players from the league and country will be more valuable and transfer to other top clubs will be relatively easier. Azkals will command greater influence in international competitions with the country already sitting as the top rank ASEAN country on FIFA January ranking table with 273 points. Coaches from the grassroots up to the National teams in the Philippines will gain more respect. The commitment of fans to support local football clubs in international competition will be widely celebrated. More sponsors will be attracted to the game in the Philippines.

Philippine teams entered 2016 AFC cup as outsiders and somehow unknown given it was their first appearances but the performance of Kaya and Ceres FC put Philippines in the spotlight of ASEAN clubs football. No wonder some players have been able to secure contracts in other top clubs outside the country.

It is a different ball game this time. Every club is aware of the threat of the Philippine teams. Global and Ceres will need a stronger team organization and home support in the stadium on game days to push them to their potential.

Global though had a test of the AFC competition in 2013, they are a new comer in the Champions League and should be ready for the challenge to compete at that level of competition.

With their ongoing preparation to take on Tampines Rovers of Singapore on the 24th of January, they should be aware that they are facing a difficult game from a team that is coming for revenge. Ceres defeated them here 2:1 and draw 1:1 away from home in the 2016 AFC cup. However, facing Global they are coming full of confidence having beaten Global 3:1 and 2:1 in the Singapore Cup 2016.

Ceres on the other hand is going in to the 2017 competition for a second time in succession. They established themselves in 2016 AFC cup before exiting in the round of 16 and will command some respect from their opponents. The experience from last season is invaluable. Though some players moved on, they have so far gotten some experience players like OJ Poteria who was sensational for Kaya FC in the 2016 edition.

The Negros club had strong support from the local fans last season and such turnout and even greater one is needed again in the stadium. The Club’s Chairman is aware of this and he is calling for support as it was reported on Sunstar news of 9 January 2017, “CERES Negros Football Club chairman Leo Rey Yanson appealed for support from Negrense football fans as the home team intensifies its preparation for this year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup qualifying round.”

Lerche Njang is a freelance writer for The Parrot Post. Follow him on twitter and Facebook @CoachLerche