MANILA, Philippines - The P1 million check which Smart/PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan turned over to the Azkals just days before Christmas was just the appetizer.
Yesterday, Smart Sports head Pato Gregorio said the telecommunications giant has decided to continue supporting the Azkals and Philippine football all the way.
Gregorio said Smart/PLDT will hook up with the Philippine Football Federation under Mariano Araneta, and make sure that the Azkals’ recent success will keep going.
“We are partnering with the PFF through its president, Mariano Araneta. We will support the Azkals and the creation of national tournament in 2011 in cooperation with the UFL (United Football League) of Sandy Roxas,” said Gregorio.
“Smart will help Philippine football,” he added.
The Azkals, behind a handful of Fil-foreign players and the tremendous support of private individuals led by Dan Palami, made noise by reaching the AFF Suzuki Cup semis last December.
It was enough to wake up the Filipinos in supporting the sport they used to love.
It was the first time in the history of the tough tournament among Asean countries that the Philippines made it to the top four. Next month, the Azkals will take on Mongolia in the AFC Challenge Cup.
Phil Younghusband, a Fil-Briton and a key player in the Azkals roster, said their recent success was all Philippine football needed, but stressed that it has to continue.
“It turned out all we need was success. Then the grassroots program, venues, the leagues will come. If the team keeps winning it becomes more popular,” he said.
“But if you lose, all the hype will die down. So, as long as we’re winning the support will come. Obsviously what we need is success,” Younghusband added.