SCOTT Cooper has agreed to a contract extension with the Philippine Azkals following an agreement with the Philippine Football Federation.
Terms were not disclosed but the Azkals have big plans with Cooper in charge as the country eyes a return trip to the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Cooper has been with the Azkals for the last two years as the senior advisor, but took the head coaching position during the qualifiers for the 2022 Fifa World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
“I think the team has improved under him and we look forward to him taking the team to another level,” said PFF president Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta.
The Azkals are in third place in Group A behind Syria and China in the qualification table for the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup. The Philippines had a scoreless draw with China and a 0-1 defeat to Syria last year.
Azkals team manager Dan Palami said the bigger goal for the squad is coming up with a strong bid to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
“We trust that coach Scott can take the team into where we want it to be,” said Palami. “It is just unfortunate that the COVID-19 pandemic stopped our momentum, but we have set what we feel our realistic goals for the team in the future.”
Despite the pandemic, the Englishman, who had notable stints as manager for clubs in Thailand and Indonesia, has been busy reaching out to the national team players.
Cooper has also been keeping an eye on future talents, with the launch of the Azkals Development Team. Jarvey Gayoso, Mar Diano, and Lance Ocampo are among the players making a mark with the ADT.
“When I first came here, I saw the massive potential of the Azkals,” said Cooper. “During this pandemic, we’ve been setting goals and putting plans in place to achieve those goals. I can honestly say that we can still get better and I am committed to lead this team as it continues to make its mark in Asian and world football.”
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