Azkals team manager Dan Palami steps down after 14 years

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) — Long-time Azkals team manager Dan Palami has stepped down after 14 years with the Philippine Men’s National Football Team.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Palami said he is giving way to the new administration of the Philippine Football Federation by allowing them “a free hand to do what is necessary for the national team to move forward.”

Over the last decade, Palami played a key role in the Azkals’ success, where he is credited for helping revive the sport in the country.

Under his management, Palami oversaw the hiring of coaches, along with recruitment of local and overseas-based players including Azkals legends Neil Etheridge, Chieffy Caligdong, Stephan Schrock, and the Younghusband brothers.

“My record as manager will speak for itself. Coming from where we were in 2010 to where we are right now,” he said. “I think somehow the national team and my involvement in it was a catalyst for change.”

Palami also guided the team to great heights including an unprecedented semifinals finish during the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup when the Azkals’ pulled off a huge upset over defending champion Vietnam in the group stage that was later dubbed as the “Miracle of Hanoi.”

The Azkals’ eventually found more success on the international stage where they also earned a historic berth to the 2019 American Football Conference (AFC) Asian Cup.

Despite his departure, the 53-year-old business man from Tacloban said he will remain involved in the football community as an avid supporter.

“I’m not leaving football of course because once you’re in it you’re in it for life you cannot do anything about it,” Palami said.

“But as far as the national team is concerned, sir John will, I’m sure, in his leadership will find the right man moving forward,” he added.

Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez said they have begun the search for a new team manager, adding that they have already shortlisted three candidates as of Tuesday.

“Once the new manager takes over, whoever he may be, he will also have to find the best possible players and form the strongest team for the federation until the time that our locally developed players are ready and are at par with those overseas talents and players then the system will have to go on as is,” Gutierrez said.