The Foton Tornadoes are rolling, and look unstoppable as the 2017 Chooks-to-Go Philippine Superliga Grand Prix heads to the knockout quarterfinals.
After handing the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers their first loss last Saturday, Foton flexed their muscles against a winless Victoria Sports-UST Golden Tigresses on Thursday evening, to end their elimination round campaign at 7-1.
Gunning for an unprecedented third straight Grand Prix trophy, Foton still need all the help they can get.
Featuring high-scoring import Sara Klisura, National Team stalwart Jaja Santiago, and steady reinforcement Dragana Perunicic, the Tornadoes still have the imposing former PSL Most Valuable Player Dindin Santiago-Manabat suiting up every game but not playing, as she continues to recover from an ACL tear she suffered in the Invitational Cup.
While initial reports have Manabat being ready for the semifinals, Foton head coach Moro Branislav is not taking chances with her. The Serbian mentor staunchly admits that there’s very little chance that he plays Santiago next week.
“It’s more important for Dindin to get back to her normal shape. She’s been asking for doctor’s clearance. But I don’t want her to risk her entire career just to play one game,” said Branislav of his recovering star.
“For now, I don’t know when she will play. It’s more important that she can still have a great career for Foton and the National Team.”
Foton await the result of this week’s matches to determine who they will face in the quarterfinals.
