The Philippine Online Chronicles

All is set for the “Dili Kamo Nag-iisa” charity match between the Philippine Men's National Football team Azkals and the CF Internacional de Madrid at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium this afternoon.

To help victims of typhoon Sendong that ravaged Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities in Northern Mindanao, a selection of Azkals and United Football League (UFL) players will play for the Azkals Alyansa against Internacional de Madrid, a campaigning team in the 3^rd division Spanish League from Madrid.

Funds raised from the match will be donated by the the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

The benefit match's chosen title, “Dili Kamo Nag-iisa”, was adapted from “You'll Never Walk Alone”, a song commonly sung by fans of Liverpool FC. The suggestion of a holding a benefit game for Sendong victims was first proposed by Chris Greatwich through the social networking site Twitter.

“It all started when Chris Greatwich sent a bunch of us a message wondering what us football people can do to help. I know we all do our share in our own little way, but we wanted to use our influence in the football community to be able to gain the most support,” said LBC's CEO Santi Araneta.

Time to give back

Azkals team captain Aly Borromeo said the real cause of the charity game for Sendong victims is a perfect example of what football can bring for everyone. “For us, this year will be about giving back. We have received support and success last year, now is the time to give back.”

“This is an opportunity for Philippine football to give back. It's important that we come together and help. Azkals represent unity and it's what we need right now, ” said Azkals top striker Phil Younghusband.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami the match will be another good test for the Azkals.“The Azkals have been able to go beyond the football pitch. They have help not just football clubs and communities. This is another opportunity for us to help the victims of Sendong.”

Internacional de Madrid Club Chairman Stephen Newman said they have come here to assist the people of Northern Mindanao. “This is not an exhibition game. We have brought our strongest side and we will take this game seriously. We think it is going to be a tough match for us. We will do our best.”

Sergio Sardinia Olalia of CF Internactional said, “this is something that we have never done and I would like to send a message of hope to the victims.”

CF Internacional team coach Javier Garcia Marquez said playing against the team Azkals will be an unforgettable experience for them. “This is the first international match for many of our players. This is also an opportunity for our team to grow.”

PNRC Chairman Dick Gordon said players from both teams showed that they are not just men of soccer but also men of humanitarian cause.

Edwin Cabalida will be the head coach for the Azkals. The team line-up for the Azkals Alyansa are: Eduard Sacapaño, Edmundo Mercado Jr., Paolo Pascual (goal keepers); Roel Gener, Roxy Dorlas (left backs); David Basa, Joebel Bermejo, Martin Doctora (center backs); Anton Del Rosario, Jerry Barbaso (right backs); Emelio Caligdong, Misagh Bahadoran (left midfielders); Peter Jaugan, Angel Guirado, Carli de Murga, Lexton Moy (central midfielders); James Younghusband (right midfield); and Phil Younghusband, Ian Araneta, Nate Burkey, Ojay Clariño (strikers).

(Aly Borromeo, Rufo Sanchez, Phil Younghusband and Sergio Olalia holding the Real Madrid signed jerseys for auction)

Real Madrid and Spain jerseys for auction

CF Internacional de Madrid will also donate 10,000 euros to the PNRC. Newman said they have raised the fund from companies in Spain. Football fans will also be interested in the jerseys for auction - a signed Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid jersey, a Real Madrid jersey signed by all the players and Spanish goal keeper Iker Casillas' national team. “We informed Real Madrid that we are coming over. We managed to get three jerseys,” Newman said.

An online auction of Azkals players’ items will be made available for bidding through the Kaholeros Facebook page. The first batch of items include Chris Greatwich’s signed Manchester United jersey and own jersey, Manny Ott’s first jersey when he played for the national team, and Ian Araneta’s boots. The second batch of items include the boots that Aly Borromeo's wore during the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup, a pair of goal keeper gloves and a national team jersey signed by Neil Etheridge.

Details of the auction will be posted at the Kaholeros Facebook page. Auction of player memorabilia will be collected by LBC Foundation which will be presented to the PNRC.

Tickets are still available at Ticketworld outlets. Ticket prices are P100, P200, P300, P400 and P500. The match at 4 p.m. will be televised by ABS-CBN.

Main sponsors of the Azkals Alyansa – Internacional de Madrid benefit match are Smart Communications, Discovery Suites, LBC Foundation and Kia.

Photo by Pom Villanueva. Used with permission. Some rights reserved.