Mizuno arms Azkals with cold temperature gear

Mizuno arms Azkals with cold temperature gear

By Mia Domingo

Mizuno formally turned over to the Philippine team their kit for their upcoming 2nd meeting with the Mongolia team in Ulan Batar this coming March 15.

Present during the official turnover were Mizuno's Marketing Manager Paolo Cagalingan, PFF President Nonong Araneta, and the Philippine Men’s National Team Co-Captain Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong.

Cagalingan stated that the Japan-based sports apparel company will continuously provide the uniforms and other sporting apparel for the Philippine team which they have done for over four years now.

The Mizuno official added that for upcoming match of the Azkals that will be played in subzero temperature, the Nationals will be wearing a gray thermal shirts underneath their official long sleeves kit. The team will also be given tights with thermal technology alongside the official shorts that is made of micro fiber and is windproof. The team will also be given additional equipment for their training in Japan like additional tracksuits and thermal socks. The Japanese National Team also uses the same material for their kits. 

Araneta cited that, "We're glad to be partners of Mizuno. We really need proper training uniforms for the boys. Without all these, I think the boys will freeze there but since they will be provided the essentials, that will be a factor for the boys to play better.”

Mizuno's Marketing Manager also said that their kits have been sold out since the Bacolod game but he proudly announced that by May, kits with improved designs will be made available to the public in preparation for the World Cup Qualifiers in June. The old kit will be modified a bit to give it a fresher look. 

Caligdong said of the partnership with Mizuno, "Una sa lahat, isa ako sa endorser ng MIzuno from the spikes to the uniform. Malaking bagay talaga sa amin yung Mizuno, kasi yung temperature doon sa Mongolia, negative. First time namin maglalaro sa ganoong kalamig. Sa Fil-Foreigners siguro, sanay na sila sa ganun, pero kaming mga locals mag-a-adjust pa kami so kailangan yung ganitong equipment."

Regarding their preparations for the away math with Mongolia, Caligdong added that "Part ng preparations namin is yung galing kaming Baguio para ma-experience namin yung lamig. Pero pagdating naman namin sa Baguio, hindi na din say ganoong kalamig talaga pero nakatulong pa rin yun kahit paano. Ngayon, nag-training kami sa International School (in Bonifacio Global City) dahil halos pareho ang pitch nil doon sa pitch na paglalaruan namin sa Mongolia.” 

The PFF president also added that, "When we get to Japan, it will be around two to three degrees in the temperature. Although we're praying na kahit mag-zero degrees man lang sa Mongolia when we play there. We will play Mongolia at 1pm (same time dito sa atin) and live yan sa Studio 23. I also want to add that when we go to Japan, the JFA (Japan Football Association) will be shouldering our board and lodging expenses so malaking bagay ito sa team natin. AFF has also extended a $20,000 financial assistance for the team for the said trip. So basically, all we have to do is bring the team to Japan. From Japan, we go straight na to Mongolia for the match.”