Patrick Reichelt has seen it all wearing a Ceres-Negros shirt. From playing an AFC Cup playoff in the Maldives to AFC Champions League football in Myanmar, the seasoned veteran is set to take the next step when Ceres-Negros battles Brisbane Roar in Queensland.
“For the team to play in Australia in the AFC Champions League is a great opportunity,” said the many-time national player. “Nevertheless the boys are hungry, they want to show their quality.”
The Busmen were hungry indeed after they produced a good result in Myanmar which set up the second round playoff with the A-League side.
“I think we’ve had seven sessions now in the season. Before the last game we had 3 to 4 sessions, so obviously want to improve from that and just really enjoy playing in a stadium, a country, like this.”
Matching up against a big team like Brisbane excites Reichelt but what motivates him more is carrying the flag in Asia’s most prestigious club competition.
“We know the quality of Brisbane, it’s a strong team and they have a better league. But I don’t think we came here for a sparing game. This time, we want to surprise the people (and show) where Philippine football already is, ” the veteran added.
Reichelt and company will have the chance to showcase their quality in front of a good-sized crowd Tuesday night. A win will put them in the history books as the only Philippine club to go furthest in the elite competition.
Goid luck!