 By Bong Pedralvez
MANILA (PhilippineFootball) - Declaring his charges fit and ready for battle, RP coach Norman Fegidero Jr. yesterday named his official 23-man roster that will suit up for the Asian Challenge Cup Qualifying Tournament unfolding on May 13 in Iloilo.
“This team is physically and psychologically ready to go,” Fegidero said at a press conference at the hotel where the team is billeted, while introducing the members of the squad to the media present.
Those who failed to make the cut were veteran goalie Edmundo Mercado Jr., striker Meliton Pelayo and defenders Joel Ballo-Allo and Antonio Albor Jr., Fegidero said, adding that the players were informed of the decision last Thursday.
“They knew that this decision was meant to form the best team for the Asian Challenge Cup and they understood,” said Fegidero in a telephone interview Friday night on the eve that he was to announce his final lineup.
One of the newcomers is towering Fil-British Neil Etheridge, an 18-year-old reserve goalie for Fulham competing in the English Premier League, who will share net duties with Edward Sacapano.
Etheridge arrived at the RP team training camp in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo last Thursday, and Fegidero was impressed by what he saw in his initial workouts.
“He looks very fit and strong, but let’s see how he plays with his new teammates,” Fegidero said.
Also back are team veterans and Fil-British siblings Phil and Chris Greatwich, a fullback and midfielder, respectively, who were scheduled to arrive separately either yesterday or today.
The other familiar faces include US-based Anton del Rosario, Ali Borromeo, who will both playing in the back, winger Ian Araneta and midfielder Emelio Caligdong, who was earlier appointed by the coaching staff as the team captain.
Making their RP squad debuts are midfielder Robert Canedo and Lemuel Unabia and forward Joeven Bedic, all mainstays of multi-titled West Negros University, which Fegidero used to handle before being appointed as national coach.
Known by their moniker the Azkals, the RP booters begin campaign on May 13 against Brunei, tackle Tajikistan, the reigning Asian Challenge Cup titlist, two days later before winding up their stint against Bhutan on May 17.
The group topnotcher in the event sponsored by Smart, Gatorade, Magnolia and Mizuno, the national team outfitter, earns a ticket to the Asian Challenge Cup main tournament set June 30 to August 10 in Hyderabad, India.
The complete list:
Goalkeepers: Neil Etheridge, Edward Sacapano.
Defenders: Joebel Bermejo, Alexander Borromeo, Jason Cordova, Anton del Rosario, Philip Greatwich, Lemuel Unabia.
Midfielders: Ricardo Becite, Emelio Caligdong, Robert Canedo, Mariano del Rosario, Christopher Greatwich, Jeffrey Liman, Arnie Pasinabo, James Younghusband.
Forwards: Ian Araneta, Joven Bedic, Ruben Doctora Jr., Chad Gould, Peter Jaugan, Floriano Pasilan Jr., Philip Younghusband.
Coaching staff: Norman Fegidero Jr., head coach; Edwin Cabalida, Lloy Lim, Rolando Pinero, assistant coaches; Melo Sabacan, goalkeeper coach; Josef Malinay, theraphist.
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