Former Azkal Del Rosario calls lack of Suzuki Cup preparation ‘a disgrace’

MANILA, Philippines – Former Philippine Azkals player Anton Del Rosario voiced his frustrations through social media about what he feels has been a lack of promotion for the upcoming group stage of the Suzuki Cup that takes place over the next few days on Friday, November 18.

Del Rosario, who played right back for the Philippine national team, wrote on Facebook, “We’re hosting the biggest [football] tournament for the country [and] there’s been nothing. This has to be a joke!”

The Philippines face Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand over the next 7 days, with each match to take place at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

(READ: AFC Suzuki Cup: Azkals upbeat despite Patiño, Sato absence)

“I thought they’d turn around [and] push this month but NOTHING!” said Del Rosario. “Thailand training on an uncut UMAK field, embarrassing! Azkals training on turf fields in preparation to play on grass? Not one flier, no commercials, billboards, or even radio plugs.”

Del Rosario, who also plays for Loyola, then explained about the hard work put into earning an opportunity such as the one coming and how the Suzuki Cup can bring noise back to a sport that has lost its allure in the country in the past few years.

“Hosting this tourney is a dream [and] was a dream for us older guys who helped along the way. It all being taken for granted is unacceptable. This is an opportunity to help bring back awareness and support for the sport which was all lost in recent years. To see them take this opportunity and throw it away is a disgrace!”

– Rappler.com