The Road to PFL 2021 Starts Now as Clubs Push for Mid or Late Summer Opening

The Philippines Football League 2020 season, brought to us by Qatar Airways, had been a memorable milestone for Philippine Football. And the fact that they were able to pull off one of the best seasons in recent memory despite the harsh realities that we now face in the new normal is what makes it so epic.

It was one season to remember for sure, with plenty of action for everyone. And now, the PFL and its clubs are gearing for another one, hoping to raise the bar. And this time, they may be eyeing to kick off in the middle of the year.

With the hopes of having the Copa Paulino Alcantara as it's curtain-raiser as early as April, the PFL aims to have its season-opener in June after the FIFA International dates. It could be another bubble setup, just as they did with the exciting 2020 season.

It could be remembered that to meet the government's and the Games and Amusements Board's strict health requirements in reducing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the league had to be played at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, with enforced quarantine guidelines for all the participants of the competition. They were provided temporary lodging at Seda Nuvali, limiting outside contact in this mostly contact sport.

The managers of each club are all in agreement for the league to start as early as April to get everyone back into shape and to make sure that the players get enough playing time, believing that this would allow the AFC competition-bound clubs to be within a competitive form.

"I'm all for an early start. If the players haven't played for the past six months, everyone's going to be at a disadvantage. With us playing in April, we're gonna field a young team. We're not gonna hold anything back," said Eric Gottschalk, representing the defending champions and AFC Champion's League (ACL) bound team United City FC.

He added that "We never really stopped working. Things are building up nicely. We're very happy that the licensing has been transferred and it's already submitted to the PFF that's why we are in the draw for the AFC Champions League."

It can be remembered that UCFC had a dominant and almost unbeaten run, only falling short to eventual runners-up, Kaya-Iloilo FC who also booked themselves a spot in the qualifying stage for the ACL in doing so.

Kaya is definitely looking forward to more international exposure, with Paul Tolentino of Kaya-Iloilo saying, "We're very excited to get a taste (of the AFC CL). It's a different level there. This is the level the players say they want to play in."

In agreement with an earlier opening, he added, "We're all one here together in starting earlier rather than later. There is a possibility that the qualifier will be played in the middle of April. Starting the season early will give us more preparation."

A season of highs and lows

2020 was also the season where PFL powerhouse, Stallions Laguna FC, finished with a disappointing result. And Stallions coach, Ernie Nierras, said, "We didn't have the season we desired to have last season because of various reasons but it is what it is. I will not make any excuse about that." Adding that, "Hopefully, we'll be able to play games in Biñan in the 2021 season."

Movements have already been seen in personnel changes, with several clubs already seeing players come and go. Mendiola FC 1991, one of the surprise performers last season, mentioned that, "We might lose some players but we will be adding some young ones and we're going to make our line-up youthful."

Karl Tan of Mendiola also added that, "We want to contribute to Philippine Football by giving these youngsters [the chance] to showcase their skills in the biggest stage locally." Mendiola, along with Maharlika-Manila FC and the Azkals Development Team, has relied on outstanding young talents within their ranks to produce stellar moments. And it may just be the tip of the iceberg.

Maharlika co-owner and senior team captain, Anton Del Rosario, was really proud of what the team achieved in such a short period. The concept was probably in existence since before, but the actual team had only been a couple of months in existence at the start of the season. Del Rosario said, "Unbelievable what was accomplished with the players being called in two months before the season."

It is exciting to see how Philippine Football will shape up in 2021. And with the PFL geared for the new season, the Philippine football community is gonna be in for another treat.