Imports???

pinoysneak5 · Jul 10, 2011

I was watching an interview of the Azkals recently on television and one of the players needed a translator due to the fact that he couldn't speak a word of english. More so tagalog. It got me wondering. So we have these guys reppin' the national team when they dont even seem to bother to studying the filipino language, which is part of thier heritage? It happens a lot in the PBA as well. Whatever happened to teams like the 1952 RP team that went onto the olympics? Can't we just develop our local talent pool? I dont know I just feel that we have more of a "united colors of benetton team" rather a RP team. Which is fine if only the players really cared for our country not just being there due to it's an easy out from working a typical 9-5 job in thier respective country of origin. Just my two centavos.

pinoysneak5 · Jul 10, 2011

I was watching an interview of the Azkals recently on television and one of the players needed a translator due to the fact that he couldn't speak a word of english. More so tagalog. It got me wondering. So we have these guys reppin' the national team when they dont even seem to bother to studying the filipino language, which is part of thier heritage? It happens a lot in the PBA as well. Whatever happened to teams like the 1952 RP team that went onto the olympics? Can't we just develop our local talent pool? I dont know I just feel that we have more of a "united colors of benetton team" rather a RP team. Which is fine if only the players really cared for our country not just being there due to it's an easy out from working a typical 9-5 job in thier respective country of origin. Just my two centavos.

southbeats · Jul 10, 2011

You are right about some points but I think these players do care. Do you think these players are payed big money to play for the Azkals? personally I don't know but I'm sure it isn't much. A lot of the "Imports" you are saying who are members of the Azkalas play for good leagues and have higher paying contracts abroad. They are here risking injury and maybe even putting their careers on the line for the sake of our country. I sure you are not saying this about Manny Paquiao. Yes he is a full blood Filipino but most of his trainers are foreigner do you think he will be where he is if not for Freddie or Alex Ariza (much respect to Buboy). Don't blame Philippine Football for wanting to win NOW that there is an opportunity. Development should start from the roots (maybe school varsity). I'm sure you know that there is a bias to basketball in our country, I played high school baseball varsity and we had to go out on our own and find sponsor just so that we can buy training gear. But now because of the success of as you put it the "united colors of benetton team" (Azkals) support for Philippine Football will come soon, and who knows in the near future you will see a team that you would be more proud of. Lots of changes are needed not for football but for the whole sports development of the country, let's go Philippine sports, WAKE UP! But for now I guess you'd just have to watch most of us Filipino who are greatfull and proud for all the accomplishments and honor that these individuals have been able to give our country. Go Azkals!

southbeats · Jul 10, 2011

You are right about some points but I think these players do care. Do you think these players are payed big money to play for the Azkals? personally I don't know but I'm sure it isn't much. A lot of the "Imports" you are saying who are members of the Azkalas play for good leagues and have higher paying contracts abroad. They are here risking injury and maybe even putting their careers on the line for the sake of our country. I sure you are not saying this about Manny Paquiao. Yes he is a full blood Filipino but most of his trainers are foreigner do you think he will be where he is if not for Freddie or Alex Ariza (much respect to Buboy). Don't blame Philippine Football for wanting to win NOW that there is an opportunity. Development should start from the roots (maybe school varsity). I'm sure you know that there is a bias to basketball in our country, I played high school baseball varsity and we had to go out on our own and find sponsor just so that we can buy training gear. But now because of the success of as you put it the "united colors of benetton team" (Azkals) support for Philippine Football will come soon, and who knows in the near future you will see a team that you would be more proud of. Lots of changes are needed not for football but for the whole sports development of the country, let's go Philippine sports, WAKE UP! But for now I guess you'd just have to watch most of us Filipino who are greatfull and proud for all the accomplishments and honor that these individuals have been able to give our country. Go Azkals!

gameover2 · Jul 10, 2011

If these players were good enough to play for their other countries' national teams, do you think they'll still come and want to play for the Philippines?

i don't think so. besides, most of them are not even in the top-tier European leagues save perhaps for Etheridge. No pun intended.

i doubt they're paid much as members of the national team, but, the endorsement contracts that come along due to their good looks are probably worth it.

anyway, both sides are benefiting from this setup at the moment. the Fil-foreigners get their fair share of endorsements while the Philippine Football Federation gets mileage from all the hype the Azkals bring.

they need to keep winning though, because once they start losing, or racking up draws, the country's interest will die down and they'll soon be forgotten.

gameover2 · Jul 10, 2011

If these players were good enough to play for their other countries' national teams, do you think they'll still come and want to play for the Philippines?

i don't think so. besides, most of them are not even in the top-tier European leagues save perhaps for Etheridge. No pun intended.

i doubt they're paid much as members of the national team, but, the endorsement contracts that come along due to their good looks are probably worth it.

anyway, both sides are benefiting from this setup at the moment. the Fil-foreigners get their fair share of endorsements while the Philippine Football Federation gets mileage from all the hype the Azkals bring.

they need to keep winning though, because once they start losing, or racking up draws, the country's interest will die down and they'll soon be forgotten.

pinoysneak5 · Jul 11, 2011

My point was when I was growing up I used to watch The skywalker, The Triggerman and all these great PBA players play for our country. They wanted to see how we stacked up against the world. Height wise we were at a loss. But talent wise we werent so far from the top competition. I just wish that before we look elsewhere for players to represent the flag we look for them in our backyard first. Young kids might get the notion that they have to grow up someplace else for them to make it in pro sports in our country. But like I said thats just me.

pinoysneak5 · Jul 11, 2011

My point was when I was growing up I used to watch The skywalker, The Triggerman and all these great PBA players play for our country. They wanted to see how we stacked up against the world. Height wise we were at a loss. But talent wise we werent so far from the top competition. I just wish that before we look elsewhere for players to represent the flag we look for them in our backyard first. Young kids might get the notion that they have to grow up someplace else for them to make it in pro sports in our country. But like I said thats just me.