Former Azkals team members are set to suit up for Maharlika FC, the newest team to participate in the upcoming season of the Philippines Football League.

Team owner Anton del Rosario, a former Philippine men’s football team member himself, revealed that Misagh Bahadoran, Jerry Barbaso, and David Basa have agreed to join the club.

Del Rosario is also in talks with retired Azkals players Simon Greatwich and Aly Borromeo, who was part of the “Miracle of Hanoi” Azkals squad that nailed a breakthrough semifinal appearance over Vietnam in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.

Aside from recruiting veteran national team players, Maharlika FC has also added active professional players like Joaco Cañas and Cameroonian Serge Kaole to its arsenal.

Brazilian-Japanese actor and model Daniel Matsuanga will also continue his Philippine football career with Maharlika FC.

However, Del Rosario made it clear to the players aspiring to see action for the club that they will not receive wages yet, and for now, play for the “passion and love of the game.”

Maharlika FC received a provisional license from the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), allowing it to play in the league while working towards becoming a fully professional team.

“Everyone who is playing for Maharlika FC is playing for free,” said Del Rosario. “We’re looking at the future of the club. I made it transparent that everyone here is for the love and passion of the sport. We’re here for more than wanting to get paid.”

According to PFL commissioner Coco Torre, the club will be subject to register for a professional license in the Games and Amusements Board in order to graduate from a provisional license.

The provisional license was issued under “extraordinary circumstances” as the PFL was reduced to 5 football clubs with the exit of Global FC for its failure to pay for the wages of its players and staff.

Roxy Dorlas will take the head coaching post for Maharlika FC, while Choy Calungsod will serve as general manager of the new club.

Maharlika FC is also committed to providing an avenue for the youth to be exposed to the professional football scene as the club is providing 3 roster spots for junior footballers.

“Sustainability is key. Hopefully, we’ll speed up the talent level,” said Del Rosario. “Getting the experience from these players (former Azkals), it will expedite their (youth footballers) way to becoming star players.”

PFL clubs have already kicked off their training sessions in a centralized venue at the PFF national training center in Carmona, Cavite. – Rappler.com