Hans-Peter Smit couldn’t help but be proud seeing his former players — Anicka Castañeda and Inna Palacios — don the national jersey in the FIFA Women’s World Cup recently.
Smit, a naturalized Filipino who used to coach the De La Salle University women’s football team, said he is proud of the achievement of the 23-year-old Castañeda, who served as the lone homegrown player in the roster of the team that made a historic run in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Palacios, the Kaya FC goalkeeper, was part of the team but didn’t see action after serving as one of the three reserve players.
“Being the local players in the team is still a big achievement and another feather in their cap,” said the 65-year-old Smit, who also coached the national women’s team in the 2008 AFC Asian Cup.
“These local players will now have inspired thousands of young girls in the country to pick up the game and look forward to playing in the World Cup in the future.”
Smit, who stated his coaching career with De La Salle Zobel at 21 years old, added that Castañeda and Palacios displayed their school spirit in representing the country.
He said their achievement should serve as inspiration to other La Salle players when they compete in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
“Not to be bragging but La Salle football has always been on the up. Being on top is a hard thing to do. But this should inspire our players even more,” Smit said, referring to the school that owns 11 UAAP titles.
“More to come for the La Salle program.”
