SHAH ALAM: Former Philippines national football team captain Stephan Schrock is hoping to lock horns with Safee Sali in the Asia Sevens Championship which will be held at EV Arena in Elmina here on Oct 10-13.
The Azkals great, who retired from 11-a-side football last month, said the former Malaysia striker is a figure he respects.
"I just spoke with Super Safee just two minutes before this press conference started and I hope he will join this tournament," said Schrock during a press conference in Shah Alam today.
"He is someone I am looking forward to facing in this tournament. He is a great character and football player who has a good history in the sport in this country as well as in Southeast Asia.
"I am not sure who will be in the Malaysian team but I am sure they will have good players. It will be a tough competition but we are looking forward to the challenge."
The Asia Sevens Championship features teams from eight countries.
Malaysia has been drawn alongside Philippines, India and Hong Kong in group B. Group A comprises defending champions Japan, Brunei, Singapore and Vietnam.
With better preparation this time, Schrock is hoping the Philippines can make a bigger impact in the tournament this year.
"During the last edition Philippines reached the semi-finals without having the most organised preparation and tryouts," added Schrock.
"This year, we held our first professional sevens league in the Philippines. Over 250 players wanted to attend the tryouts for the national team but only 100 were invited to attend.
"We hope to form a good team and bring home the bacon for the Philippines."
The Malaysian team for the tournament is being managed by Adam Azman, who is the Bunga Raya Damansara FC founder.
Adam disclosed that he is in the process of assembling a team and hopes to finalise the squad soon.
Safee and his former strike partner Norshahrul Idlan Talaha are among the names he is looking at.
"Our group is tough as we have India who are quite strong. Nevertheless, I believe if we can build strong chemistry among our players, we should be able to finish top-two in the group," said Adam.
"As we are representing Malaysia, we do not want to embarass (Malaysians). I have set the standard a bit higher for us, our goal is to finish in the top-two (overall)."
Japan had beaten India 3-2 in the final of the inaugural edition of the tournament which was held in Manila last year.
This year's tournament is supported by Sime Darby, Ascott Star, Jantzen Water, Chronos and Shoeverse with EV Arena as the venue provider.