By Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — Ceres-Negros star Stephan Schrock is optimistic of a win against Yangon United of Myanmar in the Preliminary Stage 1 qualifiers of the AFC Champions League 2019 at the Panaad Stadium here on February 5.
“Yeah, I’m very confident that we will win. We’re very grateful to represent the city,” Schrock said in press conference on Thursday afternoon during the home team’s meet-and-greet event at the Bacolod City National High School.
Ceres-Negros, the Philippines Football League champions, previously defeated the Myanmar National League champions in the ASEAN Zone semifinals of the AFC Cup 2018.
“We have very good additions, (replacing) the veterans who left, and the team’s mindset is always winning,” the Filipino-German midfielder said.
Last month, Patrick Reichelt, who played for Ceres-Negros for five years, left the team, along with fellow veteran Manny Ott.
Ceres-Negros assistant coach Ian Treyes said the team is highly-motivated to face the Myanmar champions this coming Tuesday.
“The adjustment with the new players is in the system. Each of us is 100 percent focused on this game against Yangon United,” he added.
Latest Busmen recruits include keeper Ronilio Bayan Jr., defenders Alvaro Silva and Dennis Villanueva, and midfielders Miguel Tanton, Angelo Marasigan and Dylan de Bruycker.
With a win against Yangon United, Ceres-Negros will face Chiangrai United of Thailand on February 12 in the second stage.
Winners of the second round will face Japan’s third ranked club in the final playoff match to book a slot in Group F.
Teams in Group F include China’s Guangzhou Evergrande, Korea Republic’s second ranked club, and Australia’s Melbourne Victory.
