De Jong arrives in Manila, rejoins Azkals

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-Dutch midfielder Jason de Jong arrived in Manila on Saturday to rejoin the Philippine Azkals for their World Cup qualifier against Kuwait.

De Jong, who played for the national team in the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup, arrived from Belgium via Hong Kong.

“I think we have a good chance [against Kuwait] because I saw the game last time, especially the game in Rizal,” he said.

He will join Filipino-Danish Jerry Lucena, Filipino-German John Patrick Hinrichsen, and Filipino- Icelandic Ray Jonsson in beefing up the Azkals in the absence of team captain Aly Borromeo and midfielder Stephan Schrock.

Borromeo and Schrock were suspended for 1 game after getting 2 yellow cards each in the first-round tie against Sri Lanka.

De Jong said the Azkals have shown vast improvements in their game as shown by their 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka last week.

“We have a lot of quality in the team. I can see also the other boys, they developed very well. I think we have a big chance to defeat Kuwait,” he said.

De Jong said he has been spending time training in Belgium to maintain his conditioning.

“I've been training with my last team in Belgium to keep fit… I feel great to be back,” said the Fil-Dutch.

The Azkals' away game against Kuwait is on July 23.

The home game will take place 5 days later at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.