Dubai: The Philippine national football team, popularly known as the ‘Azkals' or Street Dogs, will play friendly 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 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 February 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-23 on February 16, again at Al Nasr.
That final match will most likely be the biggest test the Filipino players will face, as the men from Down Under are preparing for their upcoming AFC Asian Qualifiers for London 2012.
The team will be based at the Asiana Hotel and during their stay they will visit a Filipino school to 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 British-Filipino duo 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 status has helped raise the popularity of football in the Philippines, which has always come second to basketball in the participation stakes.
Ideal opportunity
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 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. Despite being one of the oldest international teams in Asia, the Azkals 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."
Ticket outlets
It is estimated that there are as many as half a million Filipino expatriates residing in the UAE, meaning tickets for the matches will be highly sought after.
Tickets for the matches will be available from February 2 onwards from selected Giordano outlets, Orlando Sports outlets and Virgin Megastores in Dubai across the UAE. There are three price categories for the UAE games, Category B tickets cost Dh50; Category A, Dh75 and VIP, Dh165.
