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Mon 10 February 2025

EXCLUSIVE: UAAP lads welcome inclusion in men’s team pool

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In a seemingly radical move in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying window, the new Philippine men’s national football team, led by newly-appointed manager Tom Saintfiet, ushered in a predominantly young and grassroots-based squad comprised of 22 Philippines Football League and ten UAAP standouts.

In exclusive interviews with Fullcourtfresh.com, UAAP lads Martini Rey, Karl Absalon, Francis Tacardon, Leo Maquiling, and Season 85 King Eagle Dov Cariño expressed much delight about their inclusion to the national pool, which is a dream come true to them.

“I am very happy to be part of this pool Kasi ever since dream ko na talaga ma- represent ang Philippines sa senior team and now is my chance to prove na homegrown kaya makipagsabayan,” Rey, the starting forward of Far Eastern University, told FCF.

His college teammate, reigning Rookie of the Year Karl Absalon, took a nod to his fallen brother Kieth in the new chapter of his football career.

“Sobrang saya ko dahil pangarap din ng kuya ko na makapasok sa international stage [pero] sa kasamaang palad hindi niya nakamit,” Absalon said.

“Pero ako nandito na gagawin ko ang lahat para makasama sa [final] lineup para madala ko ang pangarap ko at ang pangarap ng kuya ko kasi alam ko na nandyanan lang po siya sa tabi ko at ginagabayan ako,” he continued.

Azkals youth standouts Tacardon, Maquiling, and Cariño likewise relished their promotion to the national squad’s senior rank, thanking Saintfiet for the opportunity given to them.

“It’s nice to be back with the national team after playing at the youth levels in the past. Being called up to the senior national team camp feels good and I know my time in this training camp will be fruitful, especially knowing that I’m with great players and a great coaching staff,” said Maquiling.

“The feeling is the same as being called up for the youth but of course, being called up for the Men’s National Team, especially with the new coach and preparing for the Asian Cup qualifiers, it is really an honor,” Tacardon of the University of the Philippines seconded.

“I’m really just grateful for the opportunity to be able to train with and get coached by the best. It gives me a sense of reward from all of the hard work and training,” Cariño, who scored a goal in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, said.

He added that “the camp is going good so far [and] I’m learning a lot of new stuff, not only from the coaches but also from the players around me.”

Tacardon affirmed, saying, “With the likes of the players I have looked up to since maybe even 2015, it really is a surreal and humbling moment.”

As for their availability in the ongoing UAAP Season 86, Rey clarified that they will not miss games while the camp is in progress.

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