Jarvey Gayoso heading to Muangthong

Jarvey Gayoso is going to T1. PFL (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Another Filipino footballer is taking his talents to the Thai League 1.

The Azkals Development Team announced on Saturday that star striker Jarvey Gayoso is set to join Muangthong in Thailand's top tier football league.

"I think it's a great step for him to go to the Thai League," said Coach Scott Cooper, who prior to accepting the role to take over the coaching job for the Azkals program was Muangthong's chief tactician. "It's really a good challenge for him because he has to step up a few levels."

Gayoso is set to fly to Bangkok next week to sign what would be his first professional contract to join a growing number of current and former Philippine team players plying their trades in T1.

Gayoso will actually team up with former Azkal Daisuke Sato at Muangthong.

While Gayoso is known as a forward since his prolific college career with Ateneo, Cooper bared that Gayoso will play as a midfielder with Muangthong.

Gayoso actually started the recently concluded PFL season as a defender, but Cooper eventually moved him up to the midfield.

"I think we finally found the right position for him," Cooper further said.

Muangthong made a historic run during the late 2000's when they ruled the third division in 2007, the second division in 2008, and the T1 in 2009 to become the first Thai club to win the top tier title after two straight promotions.

Muangthong would go on to win three more T1 titles.

The club, however, is currently ninth in the table this season following a 0-2 loss at Port on Wednesday night.

Muangthong will host Prachuap on Friday night.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno