A REINFORCED Global side hopes to cement its place atop the standings of the United Football League when it takes on Philippine Air Force on Thursday at the Emperador Stadium in Tagiug.
The front-running defending champions, who have acquired defensive midfielder Jason de Jong on loan from Stallion-Sta. Lucia, face the cellar-dwelling Airmen at 7:30 p.m.
The signing of the 23-year-old Filipino-Dutch national team mainstay is meant primarily to bolster the squad for the Asian Football Confederation President’s Cup in May.
Although the transfer papers of De Jong, who will be reunited with former coach Brian Reid, have been filed, it is still unclear if he can already suit up against the Airmen.
Nevertheless, team owner Dan Palami welcomed his newest recruit.
“Jason will add depth to the Global squad. His presence will be critical in our defensive formation,” Palami said in announcing De Jong’s acquisition on the team’s website.
Global, level with Loyola Meralco and Stallion with 15 points but on top on goal difference, faces an Air Force side that remains winless in four games.
De Jong’s mother club, Stallion, likewise aims for a share of the lead when it collides with sixth-running Pachanga-Diliman earlier at 5:15 p.m.
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