MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals will fly to Bahrain on Friday to begin their acclimatization process for their away game against Kuwait
The Philippine team hopes that a few days training in Bahrain will help them get used to the scorching heat in Kuwait
The Azkals will have 2 friendly games in Bahrain , which is also among Asia ’s football powerhouses.
“I'm excited, I've never been there,” said Azkals’ Nate Burkey. “I'm curious to see the country, what it would be like. Just ready to get focused on this game.”
The team’s conditioning coach already prepared things that they would need to help the Azkals get used to the heat in the Middle East .
“We're preparing icebags, sprays and sunglasses.... lahat,” said Joseph Malinay, the Philippine team’s conditioning coach.
Filipino-foreigners who were not present during the first phase of the Azkals’ training, like Neil Etheridge, Ray Jonsson and Rob Gier, will join the squad in Bahrain
Azkals midfielder Jason de Jong is hopeful that they can pull off an upset even in hostile territory.
“You’ll never know. The ball's round... the last time we went to Suzuki Cup, they said we cannot beat Vietnam
The Azkals' away game versus the Kuwaiti Al-Azraq (The Blue) will take place at the Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium, Hawalli on July 23.
This will be followed by the home game at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila
