RP booters get boost from Chinese mentor

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has tapped Chinese coach He Yongsan to help polish the games of the RP men’s and women’s teams which are now in the final stage of their buildup for the forthcoming 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

He, head coach of the Xiamen squad which has been lording it over the whole Fookien province the last five years, has been in the country since Sunday, observing the extent of the preparation of the RP booters.

The Chinese mentor returns to China today but is joining the RP men’s team in the pre-SEA Games tournament in Bangkok from Aug. 27-Sept. 7 before pitching camp for both the men’s and women’s teams in Xiamen prior the SEA Games.

"He’ll run a month-long camp for the RP team before the Games. He’ll help develop the skills of our players and also share techniques which we could use in our campaign," said PFF vice president Tony Chua, a former football player and coach himself who’s in charge for the SEAG preparation of the RP booters.

According to Chua, the Chinese coach observed that the men’s team seems to be "almost there, just needing the finishing touch in its training."

"Mr. He finds the Filipino players skillful and talented. Ang nakakalungkot lang daw kulang na sa field, hindi pa maganda ang surface ng field natin," said Chua.

The PFF officials, led by their president Johnny Romualdez, are one in the belief that He could well help the Philippines snare a medal in the games.

"I’ve actually talked to him once. But from what I heard, he’s well qualified and could be of big help in our campaign," said Romualdez. — Nelson Beltran