By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Rodrigo “Trez” Palencia Mariñas is set to lead the Philippines’ U-20 men’s football team competing in the 2024 AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifier in Buriram, Thailand.
The Negros Occidental’s San Carlos City native is among the 24 players rostered for the U-20 Azkals team to be handled by Philippine Football Federation (PFF) technical director Josep Maria “Coco” Ferre.
Also part of the team are Mariñas’ University of Santo Tomas teammates Edcel Lauron and Yuan Maniscan, Bryan Villanueva, Miguel Bengson, Sylver Pormento, Bacchus Ekberg, Jhon Diaz, Cyrelle Saut, and John Levis Sajor.
Completing the team are foreign call-ups Cesar Castro, Luc Richard Narido, Alexander Santos, Martin Merino, Manolo Veneracion, Jian Caraig, Otu Banatao, John Koyama, Alexander Sabatin, Elijah Ritarita, Timofey Abenoya, Dustin Ogur, Bryan Manamperi, and Ethan Smith.
Also in the delegation are assistant coaches Sergio Mascarell, Tomasito Glenn Ramos and Bryan Capistrano, and goalkeeping coach Juan Drets.
The delegation is headed by PFF director Vince Santos.
“The Federation has decided to keep the core of the ASEAN U19 squad from last July, since they won against Timor-Leste for the very first time in this age group, and they have a better understanding of coach Ferre’s system,” PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez said.
“But still, PFF continues to strengthen our youth national teams through a fair tryout and selection process, and more opportunities for training. We have recruited key additions to our U19 squad who will add more depth. But it has to be underscored that the team will cap its preparation with a week-long training camp in Thailand, signifying our serious intent to qualify for the U20 Asian Cup,” Gutierrez continued.
After playing against host Thailand on September 18, the U-20 Azkals will next face Iraq on Friday, September 27, and Brunei Darussalam on Sunday, September 29.
“We wish this PH U-20 squad the best. Soar to greater heights and make our country proud in Thailand,” Gutierrez said./ASC, WDJ