By NIKOLE JAVIER
Dan Palami on Tuesday, Jan. 9, announced that he has stepped down as team manager of the Philippine Azkals, a team largely responsible to football revival in the country.
The 53-year-old said he has already set his sights on new endeavors as he leaves behind a 15-year commitment to the men’s national football team.
“After talking to, of course, family and friends, it’s time I move on to the next phase in my football life. I’m not leaving football, but I think, as far as the national team is concerned, sir John (Gutierrez), I’m sure, will find the right path moving forward,” he said during a press conference at the Philippine Football Federation office in Pasig City.
“As you can see, the PFF is moving forward, and I would like to assist in that,” he added.
Palami was one of the catalysts in the revival of Philippine football during the Azkals’ historic and brilliant 2010 performance.
Together with the Azkals former skipper Stephan Schrock, now captain and keeper Neil Etheridge, brothers Phil and Young Husband and Chieffy Caligdong, the Philippines saw the emergence of football in all its glory following Palami’s appointment in 2009.
Under Palami’s leadership and support, the Philippines barged into the semifinal round of the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2010 which was later referred to as the “Miracle in Hanoi”, beginning the renaissance of football in the country.
The following year, Michael Weiss’ first appointment as the team’s head coach came which transpired into succeeding feats and historic achievements.
With his departure, the University of the Philippines alumnus and former Fighting Maroons team manager has decided to take on a new role and shift his focus on his school in Tacloban which he currently overseas as its president, revealing that he will now be introducing football in the school’s curriculum, one way or another.
“I’m not leaving football of course. I think once you’re in it, you’re in it for life. You cannot do anything about it but as far as the national team is concerned, sir John, I’m sure in his leadership will find the right man moving forward,” said Palami.
“I’m the president of a school in Tacloban City, St. Therese Educational Foundation of Tacloban Incorporated, and I just had an agreement with one of the top Norwegian academies,” he said.
“Our intent is to create the first school-based academy dito sa Philippines. This academy has sent players to FC Barcelona and other champion teams, so we want to see if we have what it takes here.”
