THE Under-23 national team's 17-day training stint in Turkey is an important step in preparing it for the SEA Games ("Aide wants to bury Suzuki Cup sting"; Jan 20).
To build up interest and spectator anticipation, which could lead to a full house at the National Stadium, there should be more intensive news coverage of the team's training programme, the playing conditions, skills being developed, the progress of budding talents and so on.
A lot of expense has been incurred for this extended training abroad, and much will be expected of this team's performance at the SEA Games.
So far, our national teams in various age groups have failed miserably in international competitions.
Hopefully, the Under-23 team, having been exposed to different but rigorous training routines, complemented with tough friendlies with foreign sides, will restore the pride in our national football team with sterling performances at these Games.
George Pasqual
To build up interest and spectator anticipation, which could lead to a full house at the National Stadium, there should be more intensive news coverage of the team's training programme, the playing conditions, skills being developed, the progress of budding talents and so on.
A lot of expense has been incurred for this extended training abroad, and much will be expected of this team's performance at the SEA Games.
So far, our national teams in various age groups have failed miserably in international competitions.
Hopefully, the Under-23 team, having been exposed to different but rigorous training routines, complemented with tough friendlies with foreign sides, will restore the pride in our national football team with sterling performances at these Games.
George Pasqual
