By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
It’s the end of an era in the Philippine football scene.
Dan Palami, long-time Philippine Azkals team manager who served for 14 years, already stepped down from his post announced last January 10, 2024.
It was Palami who confirmed the latest development during a press conference held at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) office located in Pasig City.
According to Palami, his decision came after the PFF elected a new president, John Gutierrez, who is set to oversee the program of PHL football in the next years.
Palami said that he would be giving Gutierrez the elbow room and the free hand to map out the plans for the betterment of the PHL football scene.
His resignation is also a sign of courtesy for Gutierrez and the future officials who will be hired by the PFF for the future.
Under Palami’s helm, PHL football quickly rose in the international scene. When he started suiting up as the team manager of the Azkals last 2010, the national team earned an upset win over Vietnam in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup.
Palami was also the architect behind the local and international player recruitment system for the Azkals and was responsible for the acquisition of superstar goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, the Younghusband brothers, and Stephan Schrock.
After helping the Azkals pull off the huge win over Vietnam during the prestigious international tournament, Palami also steered the national team to several semifinal appearances and Asian Cup qualifications.
“My record as manager will speak for itself. Coming from where we were in 2010 to where we are right now. I think somehow the national team and my involvement in it was a catalyst for change,” said Palami.