Azkals’ Dan Palami shuns credit

source: Cedelf P. Tupas | inquirer.net

Before the Azkals became the sports sensations they are now, Dan Palami, the man behind the national football team’s success, had asked for two more years to manage the squad.

He isn’t about to break that promise.

Palami said the recent success of the team has become an added motivation for the Azkals to perform even better as they try to reach new heights this year.

The Azkals earned a 2-nil lead after their first-leg AFC Challenge Cup qualifying win over Mongolia in Bacolod. The second leg is set in Ulan Bator on March 15.

The Azkals are also scheduled to participate in World Cup qualifying for the first time in more than 10 years. The majority of the Azkals will later banner the Under-23 team that will see action in the Southeast Asian Games in December.

I’m happy with what has been happening but personally, it doesn’t change anything,” said Palami, who took the team under his wing in late 2009. “I’ll continue with my role with the team.”

Several sponsors have come in to help the team, just as Palami had hoped when he took on his job.

Smart Communications, through the Manny V. Pangilinan Foundation, recently agreed to pour P80 million to the Philippine Football Federation’s programs for the next 10 years.

The amount ballooned to P101 million following freight giant Air21’s pledge of P21 million assistance.

Palami, who is the PFF’s national team chair, said he is overwhelmed by the show of support, considering that a year ago, just a few people even knew the Azkals existed.

He noted the three-day tryouts held last month that lured close to 100 aspirants. “There was a time when we had to practically beg for players to join the tryouts,” said Palami.

It was really difficult before, that’s why the team all the more appreciates the support they’ve been getting. Our hard work is paying off.”

Palami’s efforts have not gone unnoticed.

He will receive the Executive of the Year award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association next month during the PSA-Coca Cola Annual Awards night at the Manila Hotel.

But Palami is quick to give credit to the Azkals, who are also receiving the Presidential Achievement Award.

“It’s been a team effort for us the past year,” he said. “The players, the coaching staff and the management team have done a terrific job of getting things done.”

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