Foton signs up Spanish star as import; Dindin Manabat to finally play

MANILA, Philippines – After a string of misfortunes, Foton made some crucial changes in its roster to salvage its flickering chances in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix.

The Tornadoes tapped seasoned Spanish national team member Milagros Collar to replace the ineffective Selime Ilyasoglu of Turkey starting the second round of this prestigious women’s club league.

Collar is coming in with sterling credentials.

She has been playing for the Spanish national team for 15 years and had seen action in prominent club leagues in Spain, France, Italy, Turkey and Romania. Her previous stint was for Hyundai E&C Hilstate in the Korean League where she displayed her offensive prowess after erupting for 36 points.

Foton team manager Diane Santiago said Collar would be available to suit up against Petron on Tuesday.

“We already process her ITC (international transfer certificate) as of last week and she arrived here Sunday,” said Santiago. “Milagros will be ready to go against Petron on Tuesday.”

Collar isn’t the only weapon the Tornadoes will unleash to arrest their six-game losing skid.

Santiago also announced that her younger sister — Dindin Manabat — will finally suit up after spending several months in the V.Premier League in Japan.

Santiago said the 6-foot-2 Manabat was already given her release by her Japanese club Toray Arrows, making her available to make her PSL return also against Petron.

“We’re so excited to have her back,” said Santiago, adding that Manabat arrived last Friday and immediately joined the team in its training.

“Although she’s still adjusting with her new teammates, we’re confident that she will regain her old form in no time.”

“We had a very bad first round. But with our new import and Dindin on board, we’re pretty confident that we will have better performance in the second round.”