MANILA –Ilonggo Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong is now mentoring young booters in Ontario, Canada years after being one of the key players who brought the country’s national football team back on the international road.
The Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo-native, who relocated there two years ago with his wife and three children, is now serving as head coach for the Ontario Development League Boys Under-15 team and assistant coach for the North Mississauga Soccer Club’s Under-13 squad.
“Enjoy din mag-coach dito,” Caligdong said during the Filoil Flying V Sports webcast Usapang Football hosted by Rick Olivares on June 13. “Malaking bagay ‘yung may previous experience ako.”
“Siyempre, iba ‘yung challenges ng ibang mga lahi but nakikinig sila (at) natuturuan,” he added. “Ang biggest challenge ko ay ‘yung pag-English. But I am learning naman.”
Caligdong – previously served as a sergeant in the Philippine Air Force – carried the country’s colors from junior to senior levels for 17 years and scored a total of 18 goals.
One of Caligdong’s best highlights during his footballing days was becoming part of the historic Azkals side which booked its first ever semifinals seat in the 2010 Suzuki Cup.
The Ilonggo took the coaching road after he decided to hang his boots in 2014. He already has AFC B, UEFA B, and Canada B licenses, among others.
“Dapat nung 2009 pa sa Texas, United States. Nung matapos na ‘yung football career ko, pamilya ko naman ang pinagbigyan ko. Naghintay sila nung nag-football ako. Ngayon, ako naman,” the 37-year-old football icon said./PN
