MANILA, Philippines — Leylam FC, one of Cebu City’s winningest football teams, has further strengthened its lineup by signing up former defender of the Philippine Azkals, Anton del Rosario.

Aside from being a Leylam player, Del Rosario will also serve as Leylam’s brand ambassador.

According to Leylam FC head coach Oliver “Bingbing” Colina, Del Rosario will start playing for the team in their quest to defend their Aboitiz Football Cup Men’s Open title next year.

“So he’s playing with us during the Aboitiz Cup and he will also be one of our endorsers,” said Colina.

Colina said that signing up Del Rosario was just the start for Leylam’s bigger plans such as opening a football academy next year.

Leylam also plans to host the 7’s Football League, which was started by Del Rosario here in the Philippines.

However, despite these developments with the team, Colina wants to clarify that Leylam is not yet joining the Philippines Football League (PFL).

“We have a lot of activities lined up for next year, but we’re clarifying to everybody that we’re not yet ready to play in the PFL,” Colina said.

“We will be focusing on tournaments here in Cebu and maybe some tournaments outside the country. But for next year, we will concentrate more on the football academy,” he said./dbs