Fil-Swiss professional booter Michael Kempter is itching to join the Philippine Azkals once he gets to the Philippines.
After getting the necessary clearance from the International Football Federation (FIFA), the 25-year-old Kempter said he now has a great chance to prove himself with the Philippine national men’s team.
“Yes, it was really tough. It took me longer than one year to get all the papers done for the Azkals and the FIFA. So it’s just this year in February (that) they gave me the okay. So now, it’s officially official to play for the Azkals, but I still have to wait,” said Kempter in a podcast interview from Switzerland.
The 5’11” Kempter used to play for the Swiss national Under-19 team.
He is coming aboard at a time when two Azkals mainstays, the Younghusband brothers Phil and James have retired.
He is back from a long layoff, coming back from injury and surgery back in 2018.
Kempter has since returned to the first team of FC Zurich in the Swiss Super League since his recovery last year.
“I got the chance at the beginning of this year before the coronavirus. I had the chance to play in the first game since two years in the club and then again we had a new player in my position. I don’t play anymore now the coronavirus comes and, this gives me, I would say, a second or third chance and now I’m back again,” added Kempter.
Filipino-Swiss football player for FC Zurich in the Swiss Super League.
Kempter, whose mother hails from Pasay City, said he is slowly getting his game to a high level in preparing to link up with the Azkals.
“I played a lot of friendly games and it’s good now. I’m back at a high level,” added Kempter.