Filipinos in Kuwait Catch Azkals Fever

KUWAIT – Fans of the Philippine Azkals in Kuwait are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Philippines new sports heroes.

The Azkals, who already left the Philippines for their acclimatization in Bahrain, are scheduled to play against the Kuwait Al-Azraq in Hawalli on July 23.

Filipinos based in Kuwait have also caught the Azkals fever and are now busy printing Azkals t-shirts, badges and banners which will be used in their away game in Kuwait.

“Ginawa namin ito pang-suporta lang actually sa team Azkals. Proud nga tayo dahil makakarating ang Philippine team dito. Kaming grupo gumawa kami ng paraan para suportahan [sila],” said Azkals fan Nelson Lacson.

“Kaya dito, go, go kami sa Azkals. Support the Azkals,” said another Azkals fan, Romano Roman.

The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait is also helping the Filipino community in Kuwait in their efforts to boost the morale of the Philippine Azkals.

“This is one occasion that the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community here in Kuwait should join forces together in showing their unity in boosting the morale of the Filipino football national team,” said Ambassador Shulan Primavera.

Impressed

The Kuwait Football Association is also preparing for the arrival of the Azkals.

Talal Al-Mehteb, Kuwait Football Association Media Officer, said their local organizing committee has already laid out plans in welcoming the Philippine national team.

Kuwait Football Association headquarters

“Everything is ok, moving smoothly…but we are waiting from the Philippine team to confirm their time of arrival to Kuwait, to prepare the technical meeting, the press conference for them,” he said.

Al-Mehteb said the Kuwait football team was impressed with the Azkals’4-0 victory over the Sri Lankan Brave Reds early this month.

Despite its higher ranking, Team Kuwait refuses to underestimate the Azkals.

“Most of them are professionals. It's a big problem for our team,” said Al-Mehteb. “All of our players are non-professionals, but we are all preparing for them now.”

The away game will take place at the Qadsia Club Stadium.

The Kuwait Football Federation prepared security measures as fans are expected to fill up the 25,000-seater football stadium

“But I don't think there will be a problem. Kuwait is a peaceful country and they can enjoy with the Kuwait people,” said Al-Mehteb.

Ticket for the Azkals’ away game against Kuwait are priced at 5 Kuwait Dinars (P765), 3 Kuwait Dinars (P459), and 2 Kuwait Dinars (P306). -- With a report from Maxxy Santiago, ABS-CBN Middle East Bureau