MANILA, Philippines — With players from the Philippine Azkals boosting some of the teams, this year’s United Football League that kicks off Oct. 8 promises to be one memorable event.
Filipino-Spanish Angel Guirado, who has already scored three international goals for the country, is joining defending champion Global FC, who, along with last January’s losing finalist Air Force, are considered the favorites.
Filipino-British brothers Phil and James Younghusband are linking up with the Loyola Meralco Sparks, while Nate Burkey and Jason Sabio are teaming up with fellow Azkals Aly Borromeo, Anton del Rosario, and Yannick Tuason for Kaya FC.
With the addition of Burkey and Sabio, who traces his roots in Koronadal City, Kaya FC may pull off a big surprise in the event which hopes to attract more Filipinos to take up the sport.
At least 25 teams will vie for supremacy, including 13 squads from Cebu, Leyte, and Baguio. The draw is set to take place at E’s Bar in Edsa Shangri-la Hotel on Friday.
A television deal with TV5, which will air the games via AKTV channel 13, is also expected to be signed on the same day.