THE Philippines Football League (PFL) transfer that saw Phil and James Younghusband move from FC Meralco Manila to Davao Aguilas FC was made official on Wednesday night in a signing ceremony held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
Stalwarts in the Philippine men’s national football team, the Younghusband brothers are the latest addition to Davao’s fortified roster, joining recent signings Simone Rota, Jason de Jong, Matthew Hartmann and Nick O’Donnell.
It is hoped that with their addition, Davao, currently at seventh place with a record of 0-5-7 and five points, would finally begin making strides in winning in the inaugural season of the newly created national football league and beyond.
“We are happy to welcome Phil and James into our club. Both are quality players and fine gentlemen that will blend well into our club and represent Davao Aguilas with utmost professionalism. Our fans and supporters are equally excited about our new signings. I am sure they will contribute not only to Davao Aguilas, but also help us succeed in our vision to promote and advance Philippine football,” said Davao Aguilas Football Club Chairman Jefferson Cheng on the sidelines of the signing ceremony.
Prior to joining Davao, Phil and James Younghusband were a key part of Meralco football for six years, helping the team win national and United Football League titles along the way.
They, too, had been an integral part in Meralco’s impressive run to date in the newly formed PFL. The team is at joint top spot in the standings, along with Kaya FC-Makati, with eight wins, three draws and two losses and 27 points.
The Younghusbands, the team said, are set to see action as Aguilas when they go up against Global Cebu FC on Sept. 9, in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Meanwhile, in Saturday fixtures in the PFL, Global (7-4-2) will take on Ilocos United FC (0-3-10) at 4 p.m. at the Cebu Sports Complex while FC Meralco battles Kaya at 7 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. -- Michael Angelo S. Murillo