PFL gets Dutch treat

A defensive midfielder from The Netherlands is out to make an impact in this year’s Philippines Football League.

FC Den Bosch defensive midfielder Rhino Goutier will be playing for Cebu FC this year on loan as he said he seeks more minutes of game time.

Former Kaya FC-Iloilo goalkeeper Quincy Kameraad was also the reason the 20-year-old footballer was convinced to play in the Philippines.

“Two weeks ago, my agent Fred van der Hoorn received a call from the Turkish assistant coach of Cebu, Mustafa Al-Saffar. He has lived and played football in the Netherlands at FC Groningen and knows our competitions. Subsequently, Fred and I had several video calls with, among others, the head coach and the director of the club,” Goutier said.

“This gave me a good idea of the beautiful adventure that awaits me in a country where I feel at home. I’ve been to the Philippines four times before and have family living there. I also called a Dutch football colleague who was a friend, goalkeeper Quincy Kameraad. He has been in the Philippines for seven years and is enthusiastic about the level of football and life there.”

“For my development, it is important that I play as many minutes as possible in a first team of a professional club. I now have that opportunity. Who knows, maybe I’ll be on the radar of the national coach of the Philippines. My family in the Philippines doesn’t know anything yet, so I want to surprise them.”

The Gentle Giants finished last year’s PFL season in second place with 51 points behind a 15-6-1 win-draw-loss record.

FC Den Bosch technical manager Yousuf Sajjad wishes Goutier the best of luck on his PFL stint.

“Rhino is going to have a fantastic experience and we are very happy to be able to facilitate that. We are convinced that this temporary move to another country and another league will be beneficial for Rhino’s football career and also for his personal development,” Sajjad said.