UFL side Ceres FC signs Azkals standout Stephan Schröck

MANILA, Philippines – One of the leading lights of the Azkals will be making his United Football League debut in 2016.

Filipino-German midfielder Stephan Schröck has signed with the Ceres-La Salle FC, the Bacolod-based team announced on its Facebook page.

“April fools no more, the long awaited moment is happening for Philippine football,” said Ceres, the reigning UFL League champions. Schröck will join a side that includes fellow Azkals Manny Ott, Martin Steuble, Paul Mulders, Patrick Reichelt, Nate Burkey, Jeffrey Christiaens and others.

The post adds that Schröck is expected in Negros Occidental next week to prepare for the team’s AFC Cup, UFL Cup and UFL League campaigns.

Schröck, 29, was born in Schweinfurt, West Germany to a German father and Filipina mother from Parang, North Cotabato.

(READ: What to expect in Philippine football in 2016)

The 29-year-old had played most of his career for second-tier Bundesliga club SpVgg Greuther Fürth, beginning in 2004, where he scored 7 goals. Schröck has made 22 caps for the Philippine national football team since 2011, and scored 4 international goals, with the last coming in the Azkals’ World Cup qualifying home match against Uzbekistan last September.

Ceres FC, which will play home games at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, will begin their AFC Cup duties at home on February 23 against Malaysian side Selangor FA, then travel to Malaysia to face Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi on March 8. 

The rest of their AFC Cup schedule includes a March 15 match against home side Tampines Rovers in Singapore, a home rematch with Tampines on April 12, an away rematch in Malaysia against Selangor on April 26 before capping Group E action against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi at home on May 10.

UFL Cup action begins February 6, while League games start on April 21. – Rappler.com