MANILA--Philippine national football team manager Dan Palami hosted a testimonial dinner for one of its most revered team member Yanti Barsales, who recently retired playing in the football pitch.
The team manager, who also celebrated his birthday last night at Dali Restaurant, used the event to recognize the untiring efforts of the 38-year-old forward famously known as the Azkal’s Super Lolo.
He had even opted not to play for the team in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers against Mongolia and the group phase in Myanmar but he became part of the lineup after he was asked by Palami to play for the team.
“I knew he could still help the team,” said Palami.
Barsales, a staff sergeant from the Philippine Air Force, has been a mainstay of the national team since 1992. He also played in the Southeast Asian Games and the Tiger Cup, the precursor for the Suzuki Cup.
Palami also made an effort to surprise his player by bringing in his wife and daughter from Iloilo to attend the event. He was also set to honor Barsales in his speech.
There were also testimonials from his teammates in the national team and the Air Force Riders, which recently won the United Football League title.
Barsales was offered by Palami a slot in the coaching staff for the Under-23 team but the striker had yet to accept the offer.
Meanwhile, the Azkals We Believe campaign will be launched today at Trinoma Mall.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 10, 2011.
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