A FEW foreign student-athletes have fallen in love with the Philippines that they've decided to stay put after graduation.
Count former University of Santo Tomas slotman Karim Abdul among them.
Easily the most beloved foreign recruit in Espana as anchor of the fearsome Growling Tigers squad under former coach Pido Jarencio, Abdul has stayed put in the country where he works for a giant BPO company and still plays in bush leagues as an import in his free time.
“I’m just playing in small leagues outside, right now I have a job and I’m working for Accenture as a French bilingual analyst,” said Abdul who hails from Tiko, Cameroon where French is the prevalent language.
Abdul, 27, made the UAAP Mythical Team and reached the finals thrice during his UST career and won one Philippine Collegiate Champions League title. No wonder the school and its fans remain close to his heart.
Although out of the league for three years now, the 6-5 center still checks on his former team from time to time.
“I come and watch because I have some friends that are still playing, so I watch when I’m not busy,” said Abdul who also had a brief stint as a goalkeeper for the Dolphins United in the UFL.
“Of course I miss the environment, the excitement, the crowd, the enthusiasm and all that how would I not miss it?”
Abdul saw the Tigers go through a rough patch under Bong dela Cruz, and a horror campaign under Boy Sablan. But just by watching them under new coach Aldin Ayo, Abdul is hopeful that the team is on to something good.
“The last games, the young team they put up a good fight. I don’t know if they might make it this year but it’s a team that will mature in years to come,” said Abdul.
When asked if he plans to grow old here, Abdul remains non-committal. But he’s always been grateful to the Philippines and if the chance presents itself for him to grow more in this country, then Abdul is more than willing to stay.
“It all depends on the job that I have right now. I’ll see where it takes me. I’m the kind of person that enjoys growing if it keeps me here, then fine.”
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