Former Azkal Chieffy Caligdong to coach Perpetual Help football

MANILA, Philippines – Perpetual Help has tapped Azkals legend Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong as its new football coach, and the team is eyeing its first football National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) title in more than two decades.

Caligdong, who has retired from national team duties 4 years ago, has taken over the reins from Aaron Carlos Nebreja with hopes of turning the Altas’ football misfortunes.

The Las Piñas-based booters won two NCAA football titles in 1989 and 1996, but has never won another one in the last 22 years.

Caligdong’s arrival is expected to turn things around for the Altas.

“We feel that a legend like Chieffy Caligdong could help us revive our football program and possibly win us an NCAA championship if not this year, but in the near future,” said Perpetual Help team owner Antonio Tamayo.

Caligdong is expected to bring in some players from his hometown Barotac Nuevo in Iloilo.

“He will bring in several players from Barotac Nuevo, and we’re excited of the team’s future already,” Tamayo said.

Perpetual Help has been making significant recruitments to improve its sports programs overall, after it acquired the services of former champion San Beda coach Frankie Lim to take over basketball, and titled mentor Macky Carino from St. Benilde to handle volleyball. – Rappler.com