Cebu Football

Fair Play: That's the way to play!

2012-02-17T13:04:00.000+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Feb. 17)
I’M just going to say flat out that what Kaya FC owner Santi Araneta tweeted—when he realized Joshua Beloya wasn’t part of the starting lineup--was wrong.

Sir Santi’s wears two hats, one as head of the Football Alliance and one as head of Kaya FC, and as the team owner, I think he was just looking out for the welfare of his player.

As team owner, it was an admirable move that would endear him to his players—the boss is willing to risk the wrath of fans for us—but as head of the Football Alliance, it may have been a tad tactless.

But we now live in a football environment when what everything the coach does, or doesn’t do, gets examine and analyzed and I’m fine with that.

Though I may throw a sound bite here and there regarding substitutions, I don’t when it comes to the starting lineup. It’s the coach’s call and saying who should be there puts undue pressure to whoever was inserted and who wasn’t inserted.

Unless, of course, it so questionable a move like putting in Rafael Garcia for his cousin Angel Guirado putting in Misagh Bahadoran and Ian Araneta for the missing Phil and James Younghusband for me was as fine a move as putting in Joshua Beloya or Ruben Doctora Jr. or whoever else.

And I pretty much agree when Coach Weiss said in the post-match interview, “the ones who played today deserve their chance.” (I got a copy of the recorded interview thanks to my former boss Jobannie Tabada who is now in Dubai.)

Yes, though he’s gotten a lot of flak lately, Ian Araneta deserves a chance to prove himself. He didn’t perform but at least as a member of the team who stuck it out during the lean years, he got his chance. I’m glad, too, that coach Weiss thought of giving him that chance.

Anyway, while Sir Santi may have criticized the non-inclusion of the Kaya players, like us, he was all praises for the team for that second half showing.

Because with the way the team played in the second half, my confidence level going into the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup—where we are taking on two former champions and the reigning champion—just shot up a couple of levels, or even more.

And this was a team that didn’t have the Younghusband brothers, Chieffy Caligdong and Ali Borromeo!

And Juan Luis Guirado? Man was he something. I was particularly impressed with his move in the second half, when he threw his body in front of the Australian striker who was about to take a shot.

Though he didn’t block the shot, the fact that he was risking it all, in a friendly to boot, shows the dedication of this guy. Heck, it reminded me of John Terry doing the same thing for England in the 2010 World Cup against Germany.

And criticized by even the Philippine Football Federation president Mariano Araneta for putting in Lexton Moy in injury time against the Uzbekistan Under 23, Coach Weiss made all the right moves in the second half. (And yes, based on the interview, I think Coach Weiss really does pay attention to comments in Facebook and Twitter. That’s something, isn’t it?)

Doctora showed what he is capable and Joshua Beloya? I think that move of his explains why Sir Santi went ballistic. He missed, yes, but he showed us what he can do for the senior team with even just half a chance. The two, and I think most of the new guys who played, showed coach Weiss he’s got more options now on the bench.

It was a different team in the second half against Australia. In the first half, it seemed, the Olyroos were trying to redesign the ball, what with all the time they spent with it.

But in the second half? The Azkals brought the fight to them and then some. Marwin Angeles played superbly again, and I’m pretty sure not a few UFL coach are thinking of getting him for the first division.

Yep, we did fine against Australia and Coach Weiss, I think, scored one against his critics.

Good job guys. That’s the way to play!

Fair Play: Should we get rid of Coach Weiss?

2012-02-15T10:41:00.004+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu)

THERE’S an interesting post in the Pinoy football page in facebook, and the poster wants to get rid of coach Weiss.

Fire him he said.

So, should we? Or more importantly, should the PFF team management get rid of Coach Weiss?

No. But that doesn’t mean the sentiments should be ignored by the coach or the team management.

Coach Weiss is in a position no Philippine coach has ever been before and his every move—and non-move--is criticized by fans, which is a welcome change. (In PHL football setup, I pay more attention to fan and social media criticism, not traditional media criticism).

But should we fire him?

Because he’s tinkering with the lineup so much that if he could get away with it, he’d put in Neil Etheridge at midfield or Chieffy Caligdong at goal?

There’s been lots of talks against Weiss’ penchant for fielding players off their positions or of his lack of sub—he won’t sub if his life depends on it—and I’ve had my fun poking here and there regarding that but I don’t think it’s worth getting fired.

Sometimes, experiments work and I present El Capitan Alexander Borromeo as Exhibit A. Here’s a guy who started as a goalkeeper in the national youth team, became a striker in the senior team and is now known as the best defender the Azkals fans have ever known.

I don’t like the way Coach Weiss keeps harping about lack of preparation, of saying he wants to expose the homegrown players only to deny them the opportunity, but is that reason enough to send him packing?

No. But it’s reason enough to ask a lot of questions.

Come to think of it. What has the Philippine team achieved under him? We got to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers, we got to the main draw of the Challenge Cup and these are things no Philippine team has done before.

Should we get rid of Weiss and get Coach Simon McMenemy back? Coach Simon’s contract wasn’t extended for a reason, and the players in the 2010 squad know that and I say that’s a step backward.

So, should we get rid of Coach Weiss? Hell no. With a tournament just around the corner? It’s suicide!

But that doesn’t mean that fans should stop criticizing his moves. I believe that in the absence of pundits and knowledgeable writers in traditional media, all these talks serve a “check-and-balance” function. It's the online equivalent of "Please explain in 24 hours..."

For the Challenge Cup and the Suzuki Cup, let’s stick with Coach Mike.

Fire him? I wouldn’t go that far.

Does that mean a contract extension is a cinch? Oh, I wouldn’t go that far, either.

Fair Play: A 3-1 treat from Azkals on V-day

2012-02-14T10:29:00.000+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on feb. 15)

FANS who stayed up late had their fill the other night when the Philippines beat Al Ahlil,3-1, in a friendly in Qatar. Phil Younghusband, the subject of many-a-girl’s imaginary date, scored twice, missed a couple of chances, and almost lost his shorts to a defender who got rather frisky.

Dennis Wolf, the Pinoy from Germany, also scored, cleaning up James Younghusband’s rebound, while Angel Guirado missed another penalty.

Despite the miss, I’d give Angel an A- for his performance as this seemingly lackadaisical striker showed us his quickness and ballhandling skills we don’t see in his UFL matches, at least the one aired on TV.

Juan Guirado, who’s just in his second match with the team, also acquitted himself well and so did Jayson Sabio and Ray Jonsson. Roland Muller was also excellent at goal and even assisted on Phil’s second goal, while Marwin Angeles also showed excellent vision.

For me, the game showed what a well-oiled Philippine team can do but sadly I wasn’t all that happy with the win because of a recurring problem—Coach Michael Weiss and his substitutions, rather, the lack of it.

It is really not my style to criticize coaches’ substitutions as I think they are better at this than me, but come on, the other team changed everybody except the ball boys and we only had three subs? One during injury time?

Because it was a friendly, there were unlimited subs (not the usual three) and after reading Coach Weiss harp about homegrown talents and the need to expose them to big matches, I was expecting, well, to see homegrown talents exposed in big matches.

But the coach whose lack of substitution was blamed for the last two goals in the 3-0 loss to Kuwait last year again showed that he’ll do it his way, putting in Misagh Bahadoran, Ian Araneta in the final 10 minutes and poor Lexton Moy in the final 90 seconds. That last move—putting a guy in injury time in a friendly--was a puzzler. I just hope this problem won’t bite him in the ass when the AFC Challenge Cup comes.

Other than that, the game was great—the fans in Qatar, greater--and kudos to Coach Weiss, the players and rest of the staff. Australia U23, you’re up next!

IRONY. The only thing I’m going to say about this latest “can-we-please-bar-the-Kenyans-so-we-can-win” move is that if it’s true the Run for Integrity barred foreigners from the 12K division, then the Integrity Run had no integrity.
Aaah, the irony of it.

Fair Play: Weis and the Azkals, whiners and losers?

2012-02-12T13:00:00.001+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Feb. 13)

THERE, I said it. I know some folks want to see these seven words on print and I’m granting their wish.

I know some are gloating with the latest debacle, a 3-0 spanking from the Uzbekistan Under 23 in a friendly last Saturday and they are probably going to lose against Al Ahli SC tonight, too.

Against Australia U23 on Thursday? Against a team that’s trying to regain its pride after stumbling in the Olympic qualifiers? The Azkals would probably whimper out, too.

The Socceroos would chase the Azkals out of the stadium, with their tails between their legs.

Yep, coach Michael Weiss is right. We shouldn’t expect too much from this team and the German coach who’s getting his fair share of criticism for his whining is going to blame Ronald McDonald for not getting an ideal preparation.

Or even the media. Yep Michael would probably blame the wise guys in the media who keep on adding to the Azkal hype. Reporter sind Dumm!

Yes, the Azkals will probably lose two more matches in Dubai.

So when they come home, they’re going to feel embarrassed and humiliated. They’d feel that nobody cares and nobody is giving them a snowball’s chance in hell in the AFC Challenge Cup.

Perhaps, that way, they’d regain that spunk and hunger the team had pre-2010. And perhaps, too, coach Michael Weiss will learn to shut up and stop blaming the neighbors every time the Azkal lose.

Yes, the Azkals are losers and coach Michael Weiss is a whiner.

That’s the long and short of it.

A couple more losses in Dubai, while Weiss does his Chemistry 101 with the lineup, would probably jolt the team:

“Hey lads, losing sucks.”

“Yudi___ ka’g tunga, kapoy ni sige ta kapirdi. Daugun na nato ato mga duwa!”

"Das stimmt!"

"Estoy de acuerdo!"

And I’ll be more than fine with that.

Stumbling in Dubai, perhaps, will arm the Azkals for the three games that really matter—against North Korea, India and Tajikistan—in the AFC Challenge Cup,
they’ll have that same hunger and drive that got them to where they are.

The Philippines against the two former AFC Challenge Cup and reigning champions? It’s like the Suzuki Cup again, but on a bigger scale.

When the Philippines got drawn with Singapore, Vietnam and Myanmar, nobody gave them a chance and I even scoffed at Aly Borromeo when he said he was confident of getting a point against the Lions.

Of course, El Capitan was right.

Though coach Weiss isn’t giving the team much of a chance against the three former champions--and that’s probably the most sober and smartest assessment—I’m pretty confident the team will give it all because no matter what you and I say, these guys don’t know how to quit.

Because they are the Azkals.

As to coach Weiss, whether we agree with him or not, whether we understand his tactics or not, as the head coach of the Philippine team in the Challenge Cup, he deserves our support.

So guys, no booing when his face is shown on TV. It’s bad karma.

LIL NAOMI. I don’t remember when I first met Naomi Tomlinson, Roy Moore’s partner in the Fair Play For All Foundation, a group that is helping underprivileged kids in Manila, but what I remember is that this Englishwoman hasn’t seen a football game and had to rely on a Filipino to explain to her the structure of the English Premier League.

It would be like, say an Englishman explaining the Corona trial to a Pinoy in England, or an Australian telling her favorite nurse why Vicky Belo broke up with Hayden Kho.

But after months of being exposed to the Azkals and the Payatas kids matches, Naomi’s a true blue footie fan. She even tried tweetcasting the Manchester United and Liverpool match. And it was fun reading it.

“The red guys keep stealing the ball from the white guys...good playing red guys in my professional football expert opinion of course…Wow...Rooney really does a.) look like Shrek and b.) celebrate like Azkals’ Chieffy…2-1 final score for man u...man of the match...Wellbeck because he's the only other name I know apart from Rooney...good game!I hope in a couple of weeks, I get to read Naomi tweet, “The Azkals win it! The Azkals win it!”

Pachanga beats gutsy Queen City

2012-02-11T20:12:00.000+08:00

CEBUANO keeper Charles Villarta played exceptionally but paid dearly for a single mistake in Cebu Queen City United’s 1-0 loss to leaders Pachanga FC in the United Football League Division 2 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium yesterday.

Cebu is stuck at seventh place with four points on a win, one draw and one loss, while Pachanga, which featured the country’s former top striker Freddie Gonzales, is no. 1 with a perfect 15 points in five matches.

Cebu got the first shot at goal yesterday with team captain Jan Michael Flores’s 30-yard free kick just hitting high but Pachanga quickly retaliated with a header that hit high.

In 11th, Marcel Rivera got his first yellow card for a clumsy challenge, while Robert Cañedo got the first real chance for Pachanga as he hit the bar. In the 15th minute, Villarta mishandled the ball but the defense was quick to clear it.

Things got worse for Cebu in the 29th after Rivera earned his second yellow for another challenge, leaving Cebu a man behind against a team that scored 19 goals in its first four wins.

Gonzales, the first Pinoy who signed a professional contract in Vietnam, showed his deft touch but his volley was saved by Villarta.
Pachanga dominated the offense in the first half with 15 shots—six on target—and hit the bar three times.

And just four minutes into the second half, Gonzales pounced on Villarta, winning a 50-50 and flicking in a diving header for the lone goal.
Villarta redeemed himself in the 71st as he punched the ball away from a slow-reacting striker, whose kick hit the Cebuano in the shin.

Julius Acre, who came in as a sub, tried his luck from 35 yards but his teasing freekick swerved away from the target, while Rommel Cuizon’s 20-yard shot in the 87th also sailed high , as the Cebuanos settled for their second loss in the tournament.

Despite the loss, the match was a stark improvement from the last time the two sides met, which ended in a 4-0 rout for the Norman Fegidero-coached Pachanga in the UFL Cup.

Fair Play: Thirsty Cup and Cebu Queen City

2012-02-10T16:19:00.000+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Feb. 11)

IF YOU want the latest on the drama that is unfolding in Cebu football, you may move along now. Frankly, I’m tired of talking about an issue that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight.

Besides, there are other things worth tackling, like the Thirsty Football Cup and Queen City United’s game against Pachanga, which will both happen today.

Both, in a way, are linked. Or should I say, should be linked.
As the first event to offer the Players 6 division about six or seven years ago, the Thirsty Cup is where some of our most promising U12s and U14s today first joined a football competition.

I know for a fact, too, that the Cebu-based players in Queen City United had all played in the Thirsty Cup because six or seven years ago, when football wasn’t that popular, the festival was the only other regular footie event, aside from the Aboitiz and the collegiate tournaments.

And now, it has grown to be the country’s biggest in terms of participation.

These days, too, the promising youngsters know they have a future in the sport with the entry of the United Football League. After college, staying with football is now an option.

And thanks to the guys of the Cebu Amateur Football Club, we have the Cebu Queen City United in the UFL second division and this team that is carrying Cebu’s pride in the country’s premier league will be taking on Pachanga today in a match that will be aired live over Aksyon TV at 2 p.m.

Cebu’s young players are lucky with Queen City around because the option for a football career is open.

“We want to give Cebuano footballers a chance to make football their career,” CAFC’s Ricky Dakay told me last year.

And it is a statement that’s costing the club, hundreds of thousands of pesos.

The club could have easily hired Cebuanos who are already in Manila to form the team and could have slashed 80 percent of its expenses for its weekly flights to and from the capital.

But they didn’t.

By the way for their game against Pachanga I’m going to do a Michael Weiss and say don’t expect too much.
Pachanga is the top team in Division 2 with a perfect 12 points in four matches and could easily be in the top three in Division 1. It features Freddy Gonzales, the first Pinoy to play in the Vietnam League, who, in his prime could give Phil Younghusband a run for his money—both in scoring goals and scoring girls.

The coach is Norman Fegidero, who isn’t a stranger to Cebu football. Back in 2007, Coach Norman brought his famous bend and sent a low curling free kick past Don Bosco to win the P40,000 top prize in the Cebu Interclub.

In their first encounter in the UFL Cup last year, Cebu Queen City, despite playing its best football, still ended up looking at the wrong end of a 4-0 rout.

But, like Weiss, I think “Obviously our primary goal is to win. That would cause a tsunami across (Philippine football).”

By the way, I know they are still planning it, but I hope to see a Cebu Queen City youth team soon. In one of our early talks, Coach Mario
Ceniza said they need a farm team because as a club in the professional ranks, it’s where you get your players.

It would be great to see a Cebu Queen City United youth team play in the Cebu Interclub Under 17, against the only other UFL team that I know that has an academy, Kaya FC.

And if Cebu Queen City United youth takes on Kaya FC youth in Cebu this year, who knows? Next year, the rest of the Division 1 clubs will be fielding their youth teams and the Cebu interclub won’t be just one of the top competitions for men’s clubs in the Visayas.

It’s going to be the only competition for UFL youth teams.

Yes, I’m getting way too ahead but speculating about that is more fun than speculating about who runs in next month’s elections.
Let’s go Cebu!

Fair Play: Who should sit in the next CFA board?

2012-02-08T21:02:00.002+08:00

(This is my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Feb. 9)

I HAVE no voice in the Cebu Football Association elections, and I don’t even have the right to vote, as voting is limited to FA members.

But I have an idea who could be a right fit in the board.

He could even be the right CFA president.

And, like I wrote in a previous column—he’s not from the Don Bosco group, the Cebu Amateur Football Club group and he is certainly not a sitting member of the CFA board.

And, more importantly, he’s had thoughts of running for a position.

Back in 2008, and even a couple of weeks, ago, it was suggested that I should run for president but I told them Crazy is not my middle name and besides, as a columnist who sometimes writes reports about Cebu football, that’s not advisable.

But that doesn’t mean a columnist is disqualified from running for the CFA board, right? Especially one who fulfills the requirement—he is the voting member of a club of good standing, he is experienced in leading a sports group, and he is no stranger to football.

Is this an endorsement of sorts?

You could say that, but an endorsement is worth nothing if the guy you think should be in the CFA board is worthless.

“I’ve told him that, too. That he should run,” one of the players in the Cebu football scene told me a few days ago.

“Yes, he’s a good choice,” another told me.

“Perfect choice!” said fellow columnist John Pages, who teased me about running. (John, and he’d be shocked to know, is also being considered by a group to run for CFA president. It’s a long story.)

Who is he?

He’s Rico Navarro, the athletic director of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and the driving force behind the Cebu Youth Basketball League.

And no, he’s not just a basketball guy.

For sure, he’s no savior and he’d be the first to admit, but I have a feeling that he’d be a good fit. (And yes, it’s the same “good feeling” when the present board took over in 2008).

He’s had the bad experience, too, when sudden changes in rules led to SHS-Ateneo getting defaulted in the Aboitiz Cup when they joined the Rifa Cup, a tournament they were allowed to join last year. And he didn’t react by pulling out his teams.

When this whole issue between CFA and CAFC erupted, about two years ago, I’ve had a lot of talk with Rico and I agree with most of his ideas. That’s why, if I could, I would vote for him.

But that’s just me.

What do you think?

Fair Play: The Devil's Advocate and CFA vs. CAFC

2012-02-05T18:12:00.001+08:00

(This is my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Feb. 6)
I GOT an interesting e-mail the other day about the consequences for teams that withdraw from PFF-organized national tournaments and its corresponding sanctions.

I guess, it’s time to play Devil’s Advocate.

For PFF-organized events, there are four types of withdrawals—after confirming participation but before grouping or scheduling takes place, after regional finals but before grouping in nationals, after the grouping in the nationals, and in the course of the national competition.

For the first type, it’s a P5,000 fine. The second type doesn’t mention a penalty, the third type earns a P10,000 fine and a suspension from THAT PARTICULAR tournament, the fourth type earns a P15,000 fine, payment for expenses incurred by the PFF and host, and a one-year suspension from THAT PARTICULAR tournament.

And the clincher? The footie fan who e-mailed me highlighted that you only refer to the PFF catalogue of punishment for violent incidents, not withdrawals. And I’m pretty sure violence against egos doesn’t count.

By the way, I’ve finally read the full texts of the exchanges between Springdale and the Cebu Football Association regarding this issue and you know what? If it wants to, Springdale can still play and coach Mario Ceniza will have a valid point if he questions the ban.

The thing is, the CFA went by the book with this—forfeit and the ban—so Springdale should be able to pore through the same book for a technicality, right?

And there are loads.

The decision penalizes Springdale Football Club, and since it’s the club--not the school and players--that was mentioned, the Springdale FC can easily dissolve itself, put up the Springdale Soccer School (Hey, triple S!) and compete in CFA events, even next week’s Thirsty Cup.

If it wants to keep using the name, Springdale FC can question why the CFA imposed a ban for all CFA activities, when in the ruling he cited, Disciplinary Committee chairman Richard Montayre, (who’s also the CFA president by the way), quoted, “...sanctions of up to three years or up to lifetime tournament ban for coaches, players.....can be imposed.”

Three years to life time tournament ban, not three years to lifetime ban for all tournaments. (Smiley face here).

As for Coach Mario, he could question why he should be punished when the decision to withdraw from the tournament was not his. The letter of withdrawal was written by school director Ric R. Ampiloquio.

Yep, they could go that route.

But I’ve always hated it when sports folks get technical.

Like I said, this issue makes next month’s CFA general election—which has almost been forgotten—a very interesting exercise.

Folks have taken the elections for granted for so long that I don’t think anybody knows how many positions are available.

There are basically three “players” in the Cebu football scene, the sitting board members, the Don Bosco group and the CAFC group and for me,
I don’t want the next president to come from any of them.

I want the next president to be able to thread through the different factions without losing sight of the big picture, I want the next president to be able to bridge the new admin and the soon-to-be former admin (who has projects worthy of being continued), and I don’t want the next president to be tied down the way the sitting president has been.

He doesn’t exist? Well, we will see.

CAFC has done great things for Cebu football, and so too, has the CFA. If these two groups were not at each other’s throat, who knows? CAFC’s pet tournament—the annual interclub—could have been a lot bigger and CFA’s grassroots program in the province would have had the logistics it needed.

Can you just imagine what these two groups could have done for Cebu football if not for factionalism?

Now, tell me. Wouldn’t you want a president who can thread through the factions in Cebu football and not lose sight of the overall picture?

He doesn’t exist?

For all our sakes, I hope he does.

And I hope, he’s willing to take the job.

Springdale's letter to the PFF appealing the ban

2012-02-04T11:54:00.002+08:00

(This is Springdale's letter to the PFF)

February 1, 2012

Philippine Football Federation (PFF)
27 Danny Floro corner Captain Henry Javier streets, Oranbo,
1600 Pasig City

RE: Cebu Football Association (CFA) Sanction on Springdale Football Club

Gentlemen:

We respectfully bring to your attention and consideration the above stated matter in connection with the 14th Aboitiz Football Cup tournament in Cebu where the CFA served as Tournament organizer.

The said incident arose from the scheduled game last January 7, 2012 involving our Boys U14 category against Blessed John Seminary team where we were declared in default, despite the fact that the organizers granted a 15-minute time extension and our players arrived within the extended time. To express our dismay on how our boys were unfairly treated, the said undesirable incident was the subject of our formal letter withdrawal from the tournament, a copy of which is attached hereto for reference.

We received a letter dated January 31, 2012 from the CFA dubbed as their “Official Statement” stating their reason for the declaration of default after the supposed finding of fact, a copy of which is also attached for reference. We wish to emphasize that this supposed “fact” was arrived at without any form of fair investigation on CFA's part. If the organizers (i.e. CFA) were only fair and respectful of the basic requirements of due process, a proper investigation should have been conducted to thresh out the truth of the matter.

Moreover, we also received a letter of the same date from the CFA imposing upon our school football club as well as our coach, Mr. Mario Ceniza, the sanction of “THREE (3) YEARS from participating in Cebu Football Association and Philippine Football Federation organized/sanctioned tournaments, courses and football related activities, is imposed effective immediately...”, a copy of said letter is also hereto attached.

The imposition of the above harsh penalty upon our school and our head coach only shows the apparent unfairness and bias of the incumbent officers of the CFA against us which is clearly not in consonance with the PFF's Catalogue of Punishments. We refer to Item 6 of the Introduction of the Catalogue of Punishments which mandates the “Tournament Committee to see to it that the punishments are carried out according to the catalogue” and item IV (7) which sets the maximum suspension for a team withdrawing to only six (6) months.

We are aware that the current committee chairman of the grassroots development of the PFF is the same President/Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the CFA and we take this opportunity to show our concern that the way this matter against our boys’ school may leave a bad mark on PFF's implementation of grassroots development here in Cebu.

We look forward to your immediate and fair action on the above matter.

Thank you.

Very truly yours,

Ric R. Ampiloquio
Executive Director

cc:

Cebu Football Association (CFA)
37 F. Cabahug Street, Mabolo, Cebu City

Mr. Sonny Carpio
EVP and Managing Trustee
ABOITIZ FOUNDATION
Organizer
ABOITIZ FOOTBALL CUP (14th Season)
Banilad, Cebu City

CFA's sanction

2012-02-04T11:52:00.001+08:00

(This is CFA's letter to Springdale regarding the school's three-year ban)

Springdale's letter of withdrawal

2012-02-04T11:50:00.004+08:00

(This is Springdale's letter of withdrawal from the Aboitiz Cup--ML)

ABOITIZ FOUNDATION
Organizer
ABOITIZ FOOTBALL CUP (14th Season)
Banilad, Cebu City

Thru:    Mr. Sonny Carpio
    EVP and Managing Trustee

Re:    Springdale Football Club Withdrawal

Gentlemen:

Our Club is one of the teams participating in the current season of the 14th Season of the Aboitiz Football Cup as we have been in the previous seasons. It is unfortunate however that our Club is constrained to write this letter of formal withdrawal from the games arising from the undesirable incident which happened last Saturday, January 7 in one of the scheduled games for Boys U14 category.

Factual Backdrop

At the outset, we wish to inform that our Club, along with other participating clubs in the Aboitiz Cup are also participants in the on going Sinulog Cup organized by the Sinulog Foundation. Beforehand, our Club has been suggesting to the organizers of the Abotiz Cup, particularly the officials of the Cebu Football Association (CFA) who manages and sanctions the games, to defer the scheduled games until after the duration of the Sinulog activities to avoid conflicts of schedule among the participants, but this suggestion was not heeded, hence, it was the organizers of the Sinulog Cup who accommodated the schedule of the Aboitiz Cup in cases of conflict of schedule.

Last Saturday, our Club had a scheduled game at 12:30 p.m. against Blessed John at the Aboitiz Football grounds. Our Club had a game scheduled in the morning for the Sinulog Cup held at USC Talamban football grounds and we also learned that our opponent, Blessed John, also had a game in the morning for the Sinulog Cup.

At around 12:10 p.m. our football coordinator, Mr. Adan, already arrived at the Aboitiz football field and informed the organizers that our Club has a game at the USC Talamban and consequently inquired if the organizers could give a grace period or a time extension. The organizers, particularly thru a Mr. Archie, replied that they can give a grace period of 15 minutes which extends the start of the game to 12:45 p.m.

From the Talamban campus, our Club hurriedly went to the Aboitiz Field and arrived at around 12:40 p.m. at the gate. We noted also, thru our football coordinator, that the players of our opponent, Blessed John, also arrived at the Aboitiz Field a few minutes past 12:30 p.m. As you are aware, the place is an open field with chicken wire fence only, thus, the organizers, and even our opposing team already can see that our boys U14 team already arrived at the venue.

However, much to our surprise, this certain Mr. Archie went across the field to the referees and gave instructions to do the kick-off by Blessed John which will technically hold our team in Default. Our team, including the parents, protested the action, with even the players of the opposing team questioning the decision to declare us in default when they clearly saw that our boys already arrived on the field. Our protest was merely brushed aside telling us that we were late and that they utterly denied giving us a 15 minute time extension earlier. Our team, including the parents, and most especially the players were very dismayed and disappointed as they were not allowed to play on that day.

Formal Withdrawal

Due to the above unfortunate event, the Springdale Football Club has unanimously decided to formally withdraw from the games this season as it deems proper for the Club to no longer be involved with the games run by individuals seemingly with personal motives that run counter to the ideals and purpose why the games were organized in the first place which is to promote the sport of football at the grassroots and to create goodwill amongst the participating clubs.

The undesirable event last Saturday was apparently done intentionally and apparently out of spite for reasons unclear and would serve a bad impression upon our boys as well as the boys from the opposing team on how the games are handled or should we say mishandled. We emphasize that the organizers patently disregarded their own rules when they denied the 15-minute time extension earlier given. More importantly, the action to declare our team in default as instructed by this Mr. Archie who was not one of the designated referees at that time, violates the FIFA rule that only the Center Referee can declare a game forfeited or a team in default.

We have the utmost respect for the event sponsors, the Aboitiz Foundation and the Aboitiz Group, but we take this opportunity to shed light on how undesirable the Aboitiz Football Cup has been ran as exemplified by the events last Saturday and it with a heavy heart that our Club has decided to formally withdraw from the games this season.

For your information and guidance.

Very truly yours,

Ric R. Ampiloquio
Executive Director

CFA statement on Springdale's default

2012-02-04T11:48:00.000+08:00

(Below is a photo of the two-page CFA letter addressed to Springdale explaining the decision to default the team)

Fair Play: Cebu football hits a new low

2012-02-03T19:24:00.000+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Feb. 4)

THE Cebu Football Association has banned Paref-Springdale for three years for the withdrawal of its teams from the Aboitiz Cup, and along with the ban in Cebu football, comes, of course, a ban in Philippine football.

Though it stemmed from Springdale’s withdrawal from the Aboitiz Cup, that’s not really the cause of all this. It’s far from it.

This is just the latest twist of Ricky Dakay’s and Raffy Musni’s falling out with Eleazar Toledo, Richard Montayre and the rest of the CFA board all those years ago.

Ricky and Raffy are members of the Cebu Amateur Football Club, which also supports Springdale and the four, together with Manfred Schuwerk, were elected to the CFA board back in March 2008. Raffy, Ricky and Manfred have since resigned, and Manfred’s team, too, got a ban for walking out of the Aboitiz Cup back in 2009.

It’s the CAFC vs. the CFA again.

Springdale submitted its letter of withdrawal on Sunday, the CFA had its decision on a Wednesday.

Is this a simple case of a football team getting forfeited in a match and withdrawing from said tournament as a reaction? No. When it comes to Cebu football, especially in matters involving the CAFC and the CFA, nothing is as simple as it is.

If what Springdale said was true, that its players were already at the gate of the Aboitiz Sports Field, paying for the entrance fee when they were declared default, then that shows the Aboitiz Cup officials were only looking for a reason, nay, they were waiting to have that reason to punish a team for joining a rival tournament.

It is what it is.

Eugene Ynclino said they went by the book and I can’t blame him. In instances like this, you go by the book, the book being the PFF Catalogue of Punishments.

I lost my copy of the catalogue but I seem to remember the penalty for withdrawing to be very stiff and I think there was even a provision that by walking out from a tournament, the team has lost its right to appeal.

But if you want to be this strict, shouldn’t you have been this strict all this time? And being strict is not what the CFA is known for. Just ask the coaches.

I’ve heard that Springdale is consulting lawyers for the matter, but I hope it won’t come to that as going to court to settle matters in sports is frowned upon.

The CFA may have the law in its hands but I think they just went too far with this three-year ban on Springdale’s players.

Punishing kids? For obeying what their coaches, officials tell them? What does that tell you?

They should have spared the kids who know nothing and are not even a party to, to Cebu football politics. If they wanted to, they could have stuck the ban to Coach Mario Ceniza and the men and women behind the decision to withdraw from the Aboitiz Cup. But not the kids, who are going to miss a lot if they are banned for three years.

All of this, of course, will make the CFA elections next month a very interesting affair.

The current board’s term will end next month and based on initial talks I’ve had with the board (it happened when I wrote about this conflict, too), the sitting board members have lost interest in running as it seems being a CFA board member is hazardous to your health.

Will this issue be resolved before the election?

Or will this issue determine who wins the election?

These are interesting times for Cebu football.

But you know what? Cebu football would have been more interesting without this.

Another chance for Matt Hartmann? For me, Yes!

2012-01-31T00:17:00.001+08:00

WHEN I heard that U23 team captain Matt Hartmann left the team in the Southeast Asian Games I told myself, “this dude just kissed his international career goodbye.”

A few weeks back, when I learned how he went legalese with coach Michael Weiss, I thought he lost his marbles. When I learned how he justified his departure, by saying “that he wasn’t obliged to stay with the team and could leave anytime,” I thought this young dude deserved to be taught a lesson.

A ban from the national team should suffice.

But a lifetime ban, too, in club football?

That’s a bit harsh. We are talking about a young man’s livelihood here, without a career, what is the guy going to do for a living? Stand in for Mr. Clean?

I hope Matt files an appeal, and I hope he gets his second chance in the UFL.

And even with the national team, too.

I’m a sucker for second, and even, third chances.

If not for a second chance, I wouldn’t be able to see the 1990s. If not for another chance, I wouldn’t be able to see the 2000s. And if not for yet another chance, I wouldn’t have survived 2001.

Career-wise, a second chance got me to Sun.Star Cebu, writing about the Philippine team back in 2000 and a third got me covering the SEA Games in 2005.

So a second chance, for me, shouldn’t be denied for Matt Hartmann, the one-time captain. Everybody deserves a second chance. A chance to make amends.

And yes, even with the national team.

But he has to earn it. He has to really earn it.

Matt’s stint with the national team was a privilege, not a right. And him saying that “he didn’t have to stay with the team because the PFF didn’t follow the protocol in informing his club of international duties” reeked of arrogance.

It’s a lame excuse that insults those who have worn the countries colors, and I’m not only talking about the football players.

But one thing that scares me though, is the power the Disciplinary Committee has shown. As a body independent of the PFF, I don’t think they realized what they have subjected Hartmann by barring him from club football.

But, as a law firm, don't they realize that the right to employment is fundamental?

What have they done?

They’ve just made the villain in the story, the victim.

They wanted to teach Matt a lesson, but this I ask, who will teach the Disciplinary Committee theirs?

Palami wants to bring Azkals back to Cebu

2012-01-30T20:04:00.004+08:00

(This is the draft of my report--not a column--for Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 31)

IT WASN’T only former PH Under 23 team captain Matt Hartman who got suspended by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Disciplinary Committee but also team manager Dan Palami himself.

“I was also suspended from all football-related activities,” Palami told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Fortunately for Palami, his suspension was lifted after just one day.

The team manager’s suspension stemmed from his failure to answer allegations raised by Hartmann when the Disciplinary Committee conducted its investigation on the former captain leaving the team mid-way into the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last year.

Palami clarified that the PFF Disciplinary Committee is a body independent from the PFF and is comparable to an outside auditing firm that is hired by companies to check on their books.

“I was handed a letter that I was supposed to answer within 24 hours, but when our office got it, I was out of the country, so I was not able to send my reply,” said Palami.

The allegations were related to the billeting of Azkal supporters and family members in the SEA Games.

Palami’s suspension was to last until he could answer the allegations raised by Hartmann, which he did, so he can now concentrate on the Azkals activities, which include looking at a possible training camp, or even international friendly, in Cebu later this year.

“It (suspension) lasted for about a day,” said Palami, who will be leaving with the senior team for a training camp in Dubai.

As to the former team captain, who is banned from both the national team and all football-related activities in the country, Palami said he can still file an appeal.

Meanwhile Palami said Fulham third-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will likely miss the Challenge Cup in Nepal next March due to club commitments.

“Neil most probably will not be released, but he will be playing for us on Feb. 29 against Malaysia,” said Palami.

With Neil getting tied to club duties, Germany-based Roland Muller is expected to take over.

“(Paul) Mulders already has the go signal to join us, I am also in constant contact with Dennis (Cagara) and Angel Aldeguer’s brother Juan Luis will be arriving on Feb. 5,” said Palami.

The manager added that Cebuano Ray Jonsson is also expected to play, while Stephen Shrock will also see action for one or two games.

However, Palami said it is still not sure whether Air Force spitfire Chieffy Caligdong, who got injured during their 2-2 draw with the Philippine Army in the UFL, can play in the Challenge Cup.

“He has a partial ACL tear, so we are still waiting for the doctor’s assessment on whether he needs surgery,” said Palami.

A surgery will rule out Caligdong’s stint with the Azkals, who are already missing the services of team captain Alexander Borromeo due to an injury sustained last November.

The Philippines will have its Challenge Cup debut on March 9 against North Korea and will face India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.

Tajikistan, and India are former champions while North Korea is the defending champion.

After the Challenge Cup, the Azkals will be released back to their clubs for UFL duties but will team up anew late in May to prepare for a short tournament in Manila during the designated Fifa break in June.

“We are planning to invite Indonesia over so we could finally have that home game we didn’t have. We are also looking at Thailand or even Vietnam,” said Palami, whose team played their “home match” against Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup 2010 semifinals in Jakarta.

“That will also be a chance for us to rack up points and rise in the Fifa rankings,” he said.

Aside from the Southeast Asian teams, Palami said he is looking at a major English Premier League club to complete the four-tournament friendly.

“The clubs usually have a short tournament in Hong Kong during that break and maybe, we can invite one over,” he said.

For the May training camp, Palami said he has already told the European-based players to spend their vacation in the Philippines so they can join the team training, which could be held in Cebu anew.

“I’m planning to put them in one place, maybe in Plantation Bay again so they can be with their families while at the same time train with the team,” said Palami.

During last year’s short training camp, the Azkals stayed at Plantation Bay and trained at the Aboitiz Sports Field pitch.

The manager added that he hopes Cebu will soon have a venue that can pass the Fifa standards so he can hold an international friendly here.

The only viable options for a match of such magnitude is the Cebu City Sports Center, whose field is under rehabilitation, and the planned University of San Carlos Stadium, which is still under construction.

“Cebu would be a very good location because the fans from the Visayas or Mindanao can just fly there,” he said.

Aside from the Challenge Cup, Palami is also busy with the U21 team that will see action in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei on Feb. 25 to March 3.

The team will be handled by the newly-hired Serbian coach Zoran Djordjevic, who so far has impressed Palami.

The coach told Palami, who is also the manager of the U21 squad, to prepare a bonus since he is confident of finishing as runner-up or even champion of the U21 competition.

“I’d be happy to pay the bonus since I was already planning to give a bonus anyway if they win it,” said Palami.

Djordjevic has also been busy watching local football matches to gauge the players’ skills.

“I think he went to all UFL games yesterday (last Sunday) and he’s also been watching the UAAP matches and he’s been talking to the coaches too,” said Palami.

Meanwhile, Palami said he is elated that the University of the Philippines has released its players to see action for the U21 team.

After the Brunei tournament, Palami plans to have friendly games between local senior and Under 23 teams in Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu and the PH U21 team.

“We’re also planning to play Queen City in Cebu,” he said.

Fair Play: The Juan who could be a footballer

2012-01-29T14:44:00.001+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 30)
FROM a distance, Juan Esquer looked like one mean fighting machine. Moments before the fight started, as he stood there in the ring, he looked like my cousin Aris who is also my uncle.

During my birthday celebration years ago in Moalboal, my cousin, who dabbled in boxing in the Philippine Military Academy, punched me in the stomach because it was their tradition and it hurt like hell.

Juan looked like one mean fighter.

He reminded me, too, of Juan Manuel Marquez with the way he threw those punches, and the way he seemed to have a solid head and shoulders. He seemed, ready, too, to take on what Milan Melindo could throw and then some.

And, after a supporting bout that ended in less than two minutes, we were in for a showdown. Right?
Wrong!

Damn Juan channeled his inner Cristiano Ronaldo in what was the most comical fight I’ve ever seen—live and on TV.

ABS CBN should send clips of the fight in one of those funny shows and get a buck or few.

In the fourth round, Juan got hit in the family jewels and yes it must have hurt but I don’t think it warranted the show he put up—rolling across the court, attempting to stand and failing a few times.

And that was just the start of the performance worthy of an academy.

In the seventh round, after an exchange near the corner, Juan was writhing again, holding on to his family jewels and referee promptly waived the fight off.

Perhaps Juan’s corner should have reminded their boxer—dude, there’s a damn giant screen monitor in the venue!

And what did the replay show? Juan hitting Melindo below the belt and El Metodico hitting the Mexican on the chest, just about where my cousin Aris hit me.

And there was Juan, holding on to his balls as if his life depended on it, writhing in pain, milking it for all it’s worth only to get disqualified by the referee.

I was with my kababayans Doc Joel Pascual, whose son Paolo plays for the national team and Global FC, and Mark Concha. Prior to watching the boxing match, the two were at the Azkals Sports Bar and Grill to catch the latest UFL action.

And we all had the same thought. “Football player siguro ning Mexicano!”Doc Joel, who is also a fan of Jun Intor said, “Mas maayo pa siguro sila nag-atbang ni Flash Mongo.”

What a crappy way to end a fight.

Heck, he looked like football star Rivaldo, who, after getting hit by an errant clearance in the head—in the freakin’ head—was next seen holding on to his balls.

After the fight, Juan passed by us and he was still pointing to his balls. But when it was time for pictures, the darn Mexican looked like a tourist on a stroll that I’m wondering if he’s still laughing on the way to the bank.

Have you ever been in a group who were having a picture taking and somebody got left out? And that somebody ran to the middle of the pack as the photographer was counting 1..2..3.”

Juan did that and more. He even grabbed Donnie Nietes to have a picture with him, and somebody up in the balcony shouted, “Tumbaha na Don!”
While talking to Donnie, he was pointing to his balls and for a minute I was afraid he’d actually show ‘em to the world champion. There were a couple of girls, too, who had no plans to have a picture but Juan wouldn’t have it, so he grabbed them.

This from a guy who said during the press con that he was going to show Melindo a real Mexican fighter? Nuts!

And when ring announcer Ted Lerner said they still had a trophy to award—for the winning team in the Philippines vs. World contest—the jeering got so loud he had to say, “No it’s not for the Best Actor.”

While Juan was a disappointment, I liked what I saw in Melindo, who didn’t let the Mexican’s antics go into his head.

He kept his composure and he didn’t rush his punches the way other boxers out to score points with the crowd, would.

I also liked Lorenzo Villanueva, who pummeled Diego Ledesma in the first round for his 22nd knockout in 23 straight wins.

As for Esquer? Unless he’s facing Flash Mongo, he can keep his cajones in Mexico.

But thanks to him, I forgot all about the Australian Open women’s finals results.

Fair Play: A half-baked preparation for Bolkiah?

2012-01-27T17:42:00.002+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 28)

NOT too many people know that before Dan Palami took over the senior team, he was the manager of the Under 19 squad that had their breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snacks handed to them in 45 minutes during the AFC Under 19 championships qualifiers in 2009.

Because of that humiliating showing, when Dan was offered the job as senior team manager, he vowed not to be as ill-prepared as the Under 19 team.

A lot of folks know that Dan was the manager of the Southeast Asian Games team last November, who, shall we diplomatically say, failed to live up to their newspaper space and TV airtime?

Aside from saying the SEAG team will be better prepared, and that they will be joining the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei next month, nothing much was heard of the team before the announcement of the PFF hiring Serbian coach Zoran Dordevic a few days ago, and the announcement of a team tryout a week ago.

The last time we joined the Bolkiah Cup, we lost to Myanmar, 9-1, and Cambodia, 6-0, and to Brunei, 3-2, in the final match. That Brunei loss was painful. We were up 2-0 at half-time and lost after conceding two goals in the last two minutes. That squad had Phil Younghusband, and now UFL players Jason Cordova, Matthew Hartmann, Francis Gustilo and Dave Villon.

And now, the big question is, are we headed for a repeat of the SEAG debacle? Are we throwing in an ill-prepared team to an international competition?

The simple answer is yes as this year’s tournament will start on Feb. 25, and if they’re still conducting trials on Jan. 21…

But, it’s not as simple as that.

Dan told me the other day he’s having a hard time gathering the players for practice due to UFL and UAAP duties.

Aah, crap, the collegiate game. It is understandable why colleges hold on to their players since they’re the one paying handsomely for their scholarships but this conflict of schedule could have been avoided by a simple change of schedule—hold the damn football tournament early.

It’s the same problem in Cebu, the college season starts late to give way to the basketball season, and all other tournaments involving the age group have to wait.

This conflict of schedule, too, is what former national team Aris Caslib pointed out as one of the problems in Philippine football when he did his presentation to the PFF Board of Governors last January, 2011.

I guess his suggestion to talk with the UAAP and NCAA guys was never taken?

The Bolkiah trophy will be the first outing of this U21 squad, but it’s not the goal. Dan is aiming for the AFF U22 contest and the SEA Games next year and I admit that this is one massive preparation.

I’m only afraid though, that if the team does poorly in the Bolkiah Cup, which will end just as the Challenge Cup is starting, folks will remember SEAG 2011 and well, you know what I mean.

By the way, Dan said he’s going for locally-based players (take note, locally-based, not locals), so perhaps this addresses the criticism on how team chemistry was shot to hell in the SEAG when as much as six players flew in a day before the competitions.

“I’m fixing sight on U23 SEAG as promised, but this team will have to absorb initial setbacks. The good thing is that we are building a strong local based players. Raw talents still, but the new coach sees the diamonds underneath,” Dan said.

Diamonds in the rough is the perfect way to describe the team and I hope we finally see the final product on SEAG 2013.

As for the Bolkiah Cup?

I’m not expecting much but since most of the U21 members played in the SEAG, I expect them to fight as if they have something to prove because those guys really do have something to prove.

So, what’s after Bolkiah? I hope, since this won’t be the first time, the PFF will get to talk with the schools about the release of players. If clubs take a rap for not releasing players to friendly, shouldn’t the schools/league take some of the heat, too?

“After Bolkiah, I will tour this team around to play senior teams in Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, etc. and also friendlies with UFL first divisions.”

Fair Play: Developments, politics in the beautiful game

2012-01-25T17:03:00.000+08:00

(This is the draft for my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 26)

AFTER the brouhaha over the friendly against Icheon City of Korea, there are two other developments that should be interesting for the UFL and for fans.

One is a little-known league in football-hotbed Bacolod and the other is the plan of former Bacolod representative Monico Puentevella to put up a league for the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Bacolod tournament hit a snag during its finals when the top team lost its key players to UFL duties and have vowed that in the next season, it will bind its players to contracts so it won’t happen again.

That’s a potential conflict, and so is, I think, the planned Vis-min League.
While tournaments such as this is a chance for other players to shine, I don’t think we have that many players in this country who can play regularly in a top-flight league. And if sponsors are involved, as what Monico is planning to do, then teams will be fighting for players.

Football may be experiencing a renaissance in this country but basketball it is not, nor does it have the fraction of the player pool the country’s no. 1 sport has.

And do you know what happens when two leagues fight over fanbase, players, sponsors and publicity?
Ever heard of the Metropolitan Basketball Association?

While I see a lot of potential conflicts with these developments, it doesn’t mean I dont think there won’t be anything good that will come out of this. This would get club football to the provinces, and, perhaps, by doing so, fans there would begin to wonder, “can our local club beat the best clubs in the country?”

If the UFL has dreams or plans of going national, I think now is the time to share its vision with the rest of the PFF and the country. With the way things are, most of the fans and clubs outside of Manila are on the outside looking in, wondering when they’d get a piece of the club football action.

I hope the PFF, Monico and the Football Alliance can work together to make the UFL become truly national in scope.
Oh well, it’s just a thought.

FUNNY POLITICS. “Why don’t you go to Panaad and play Bacolod teams?” an insider qouted CFA president Richard Montayre telling Loxwood FC representatives when they visited the Philippine Football Federation office last Tuesday.

The insider was more than suprised as Loxwood FC, of course, dropped by Cebu last week to meet with representatives of Queen City United for a planned friendly in Cebu later this year.

Football politics, don’t you just love them?

I just hope politics won’t hinder what Cebuano fans are anticipating—the Loxwood friendly.

Fair Play: Once again, the beef against Kenyans

2012-01-23T08:01:00.000+08:00

(This is my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 23)
TWO of our top runners offered a glimpse rarely seen of athletes who are featured in these pages, regularly.

And that is being brutally honest.

The two said they’d rather have this topsy-turvy schedule of fun runs being held simultaneously on a Sunday so they’d have a better chance of getting the money.

For them, having two events in one day is not bad. That way, they can laugh their way to the bank.

I salute them for their honesty. So I shall reward them with a brutal reaction, too.

But first, let me share an e-mail from a Kenyan, who reacted to a couple of columns I wrote regarding local elite runners. After misinterpreting a point in an earlier column, I managed to convey to him what I really meant, so he wrote:

“But you should help your fellow Pinoys to understand that everyone is looking for destiny in this world. Those Kenyan athletes are looking for destiny and better life here,” he wrote.

Yes, our top guys rely on running for a living. But so do the Kenyans. In a way, they can be compared to the Pinoys who work abroad.

But of course, when access to easy money is cut short, so is empathy.

They were honest enough to say two runs are good for them, so I shall be equally honest, too.

It’s hard to sympathize with guys who had it easy a couple of years ago and are crying foul now because they can’t win the way they used to. Hey, did they even wonder how the guys who can’t beat them felt when they kept on winning back then?

If they say they want the Kenyans and other foreign runners banned from the small weekend races so the locals can have a chance to win, then let’s talk, too, about this nasty open secret in local running—that some local elite runners conspire among themselves who will finish first, second or third.

It’s a nasty secret, one that was raised to me by one organizer, “Di man na mu-matter kinsa mudaug, mag-sabotsabot ra man na sila.”

Do our elite runners want the Kenyans banned so they can return to the days when they can fix races?

And if you want an honest assessment, asking for foreigners to be banned is nothing short of racist, and agreeing who finishes first or third is nothing short of fixing a race.

If local elite runners ask that foreigners be banned from small races so they will have a chance to win the prizes, then, I, too, will push that the local elites be banned from small weekend races so the weekend warriors have a chance to win the prizes.

Running has gotten so big, are our local elite runners getting big heads, too? Do they think the running community owes it to them, that they should get a fair shake, that they should win?

That’s not the case.

If I want to get the big scoop would I ask that other reporters be banned from a story that I cover? If SWU wants to win the Cesafi basketball title, would they ask that UV be banned from getting recruits abroad? If a worker wants to get promoted would she or he ask that others be barred from doing a better job?

Or would I, or they, simply strive to be better?

They were honest and so I will be.

I will not support a run or race that will discriminate. I will never support a run or race that will discriminate.

If local elite runners join a race for the sole purpose of winning a prize, then let them organize a race among themselves. Let them raise the prize money, let them run among themselves and let them whine among themselves.

We have been victims, too many times, of discrimination and of racism from people who don’t know better.

Why should we do it to others?

P.S. I heard there are talks of getting the Bureau of Immigration involved in helping stop the Kenyan invasion. If they want to go that way, perhaps we should invite, too, the Bureau of Internal Revenue to check whether our weekly winners are paying taxes?

A chance for others to shine

2012-01-22T11:45:00.005+08:00

AAAH. If only the Younghusbands and the rest of the UFL stars played against Icheon City, we could have won.

Right?

Maybe.

But, as my favorite author wrote, if your aunt had balls, he’d be your uncle, too.

Now, were clubs like Loyola Meralco and Kaya justified in not releasing their players? Was the UFL, too, justified in not moving the Kaya and Loyola matches so their players could have been free to release the Azkals for national team duties?

Of course.

When you're paying more than what the PBA top rookie earns (at least above the table) for players, then you have every right to insist that your marquee stars prioritize club duties over a friendly that three weeks ago, nobody knew was coming.

And no the clubs or the UFL are not being greedy or selfish, they are simply looking out what’s best for them. And besides, didn’t the UFL move the Air Force’s game so Chieffy et. Al. could suit up?

Besides, it was a friendly against a third division club.

If it was for the Challenge Cup, I guarantee you it would be suicide if the UFL and the clubs insist on that. And I guarantee you, I would personally lead the assault against the clubs if they do that.

And you know what? The absence of the other UFL stars, for me, was a good thing.

Sure we lost and Carli de Murga is going to have nightmares involving a flying ball for years to come but guys like Nestor Margarse, Ruben Doctora, Jerry Barbaso, Roel Gener had a chance to shine at home.

And they didn’t do too badly.

Margarse, who only got to play in the friendly against CF Madrid after Tats Mercado threw the ball out to stop play in the dying minutes, started the match and had a few key plays.

Barbaso had a few indecisive moments that surely didn’t endear him to Ed Sacapano but he acquitted himself well. As for Roel Gener, this 37-year-old guy showed he can more than hack it against the teens, while Doctora showed us how to take a penalty.

Rob Gier,who flew all the way from England for the friendly against the Galaxy only to be injured in the first few minutes, also had his moments. I just hoped he didn’t bring the luck of the English when it comes to penalty shootouts.

Dennis Wolf, who had his share of the hype going into the match, was a disappointment, and so was Chieffy, but overall, there was nothing to be ashamed in the match. Marwin Angeles, who came in as a sub with Doctora, also scored the equalizer, rewarding coach Michael Weiss faith in him.

Sure we lost. Again.

But it was through a shootout and everybody knows anything can happen in a shootout.

And you really can’t complain about how the team played, especially when they were chasing that goal in the second half.

Sure our football stars were missing but it’s nice to be reminded that while it was them who made that run in the Suzuki Cup and put football where it is now, Philippine football is not all about them.

We got the Margarses, the Barbasos and the Doctoras, who, if given the chance to shine, will.

So fret not. Unless you were Carli “Is-that-a-freakin-penalty” De Murga, the friendly was good for Philippine football.

Malaysia, you’re up next.

Icheon City beats Azkals

2012-01-21T21:48:00.003+08:00

THE new-look Azkals lost in a way that was new to fans, by penalty shootout to the visiting Icheon City FC in the charity match dubbed the Kia Cup at the Rizal Memorial Stadium last night.

After fighting to a 1-1 draw, the Azkals lost the shootout, 4-2, with Filipino-Spanish player Carli de Murga making a horrendous bungle from the 12-yard spot to send the Azkals to their third straight loss in a friendly at home.

Earlier, the Azkals, who were missing the services of Loyola Meralco Sparks’ Phil and James Younghusband, and Kaya FC’s Anton del Rosario, Jason Sabio and Lexton Moy to club duties in the United Football League, initiated most of the attack in the first half.

Emilio Caligdong had a free kick sail high and a floater from Angel Guirado to Misagh Bahadoran was caught by the keeper.

In the 17th, Ian Araneta muscled his way in a goalmouth scramble only to miss wide and in the 19th, another shot from Caligdong was deflected for a corner.

In the 21st, Bin Tae Kwan beat the defense and Eduard Sacapaño to put the visitors up front and in the 30th, the Koreans could have made it 2-0 but the goal was overruled for offside.

After a few misses, the Azkals finally got the equalizer through substitute Marwin Angels in the 88th minute and could have gotten the winner in injury time but Dennis Wolf, who was making his debut, missed yet again.

In the shootout, all four Koreans made their penalty shots, while Aldeguer hit the bar.

After Caligdong and Ruben Doctora converted their simple shots, it was the turn of de Murga, who hit his free kick so off target he covered his face in shame.

Queen City salvages draw

2012-01-21T21:47:00.001+08:00

(This report by Cheska D. Geli will appear in Sun.Star Cebu on Jan. 21)

QUEEN City United drew its opening match in the United Football League Division 2, 1-1, against Diliman Victory Liner at artificial turf at Global City,

Coach Mario Ceniza said playing in the artificial turf for the first time was a unique experience for Queen City and the players were not used to it.

After conceding a goal in the first minute, Queen City managed to regain their composure.

“Nakalitan mi, pati ang mga players. Maayo ning kontra kay nakaduwa na sila last time diri,” said Ceniza.

However, the early lead did not bother the revamp squad of QCU with new recruit Hanesin Prince Anthony converting a penalty in the 30th minute afte rJunard Aguilar was fouled.

“After that unexpected goal, the boys held their composure and focused on the game,” said Ceniza. “I commend the boys because they were not discouraged even if they conceded in the first minute, they fought back. They wanted to win but it was just very unlucky.”

Fair Play: Would you want to see a UFL match in Cebu?

2012-01-20T15:31:00.002+08:00

(This is the draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu's Jan. 21 issue)
CEBUANOS have always longed to see Cebu Queen City in action at home against a UFL team right? And if plans push through, that wish might push through this year in a mini-tournament against two or three other teams.

It won’t be just against any UFL team but against Kaya FC of Ali Borromeo and Nate Burkey, Global FC of Angel Aldeguer and of course, Paolo Pascual and Graeme Mackinnon and Loxwood FC, a UK-based football club that is playing in the lower tiers of English football.

After a series of e-mails, I finally get to meet the representatives of Loxwood FC—Kuni Ledesma and Phil Awcock—last Thursday together with Queen City United representatives.

Phil and Kuni are here in the Philippines to finalize the details of the club’s planned Philippine tour later this year and before leaving for Cebu, they met Graeme, Andi Sia and the UFL’s Coco Torre in Manila.

Unfortunately, whatever plans they had after that Manila meeting the Cebu Queen City United guys tore it.

The UFL is planning to have a short tournament with Loxwood and against three other UFL clubs in Manila and since Loxwood also wants to play Cebu Queen City United, Stanley Villacin suggested to why not hold the tournament here?

Raffy Musni also pointed out that clubs like Kaya FC and Global FC have always wanted to play in Cebu and a tournament like this would be the perfect reason for them to come over.

Besides, this would also be the perfect chance for the UFL to touch base with Cebuano fans, right?

However, I only see a minor problem that isn’t really a problem. Whenever I get to talk with fans about a possible Queen City UFL match at home, they always say that they want to see Queen City face Stallions and Pachanga, too, so they can give the Cebuanos the homecourt treatment they didn’t get when they got thrashed by those two clubs in the UFL Cup.

Two other developments in Cebu football can help push for that tournament—the rehabilitation of the Dust Bowl in the Cebu City Sports Center and the construction of the University of San Carlos football stadium.

The USC Stadium is set to be finished mid-June, which is the target date for the Loxwood friendly (or, if the football gods favor Cebu, the mini tournament) would be the perfect opening salvo for new stadium, right?

But if the Stadium won’t get finished, there’s another option.

June is also the target finish date of the CCSC rehabilitation and Francis Ramirez, one of the Queen City representatives in the meeting who also coaches Abellana National School, said CCSC manager Ricky Ballesteros is planning to have a friendly between Queen City and Global, or even the Azkals, as the opening salvo for the field.

Why not a tournament?

Everything is still being set as the Loxwood representatives will meet with the UFL guys again when they return to Manila but as I told them the other night, “I think the UFL would be favorable to the idea of having the tournament here.”

And holding it here would be the perfect reward the UFL can give to Queen City, as the club will be spending more than P2 million for airfare alone for the UFL matches in Manila.

I hope this pushes through.

By the way, aside from the friendlies/tournaments, Loxwood also wants to do an outreach program here so a clinic for underprivileged kids is part of the plans.

Aside from that, when Phil and Kuni return to England, they will set up donation boxes during their games so players and fans—and their children—can donate used football equipment, which in turn, will be distributed to kids here.

Don’t you just love football?

Fair Play: New-look Azkals to face Koreans this Saturday

2012-01-18T20:28:00.002+08:00

FOOTBALL fans who follow the Azkals but not the UFL will probably find it strange that in the Saturday friendly against Icheon of South Korea, Phil and James Younghusband, among other players, won’t be seeing action.

And I hope these fans would get the right explanaition—that the players have club duties in the United Football League—lest they begin to think that they’re just busy with, I don’t know, showbiz commitments?

The friendly is part of a busy Saturday that will see two UFL matches in Rizal, which will be aired live on Akstyon TV, before the Azkal friendly, which will also be in Rizal.

The friendly will also be aired live, on ABS, and the station that signed a four-year contract worth P300M (of airtime, not cash. Sigh) has treated the UFL, sadly, as it would the rival shows in GMA.

It pretends it doesn’t exist and commentators have to deal with a practice that bars them from mentioning other stations. That may be okey when it comes to showbiz updates, but not when it comes to sports.

And for a station that got the contract because, according to the PFF president, “it raised the profile of football in the country by airing the games,” it’s a counterproductive move that insults the more knowledgeable fans.

And of course, to the UFL clubs and owners who pay P195,000 a month to some of the marquee players.

Still, I’m hoping this Saturday’s match will change all that. I hope that in this Saturday’s game, casual fans of the team will learn a thing or two about the football landscape in the country.

So, who’s missing the game this Saturday? Global FC has a game against Pasargad and I think the Azkals players in the Dan Palami-owned team have their priorities straightened out.

On Sunday, the Philippine Air Force will meet the Stallions, Loyola will take on the Philippine Army and Kaya FC will face the Green Archers and PAF, Loyola, Army and Kaya have 10 guys (at least) who played for the Azskals in the CF Madrid friendly.

So how will this new-look Azkals fare?

I don’t know. I guess, we will all find out this Saturday.

I just hope that whether it’s the new look team, or one that features that regular guys, we will finally win a friendly in home soil.

It’s been a while and, three straight home losses, even if friendlies, doesn’t look good.

Fair Play: Where will the P300 million go?

2012-01-15T14:52:00.004+08:00

(This is my draft of my Fair Play column for Sun.Star Cebu's Jan. 16 issue)

WHEN I met Dan Palami two weeks ago, I asked him if the Philippine Football Federation still gets money from the Philippine Sports Commission.

He shrugged, and said, “I don’t think they still need it.”

It was also at that time when he and PFF president Nonong Araneta were deep in negotiation for an exclusive TV contract and over lunch, he told me, that ABS CBN’s global reach, is an advantage to the Azkals because of how the team has connected with overseas workers in its training camp abroad.

And, just recently, the national papers announced the PFF’s P300-million deal with the network giant, another exclusive deal I reckon. I guess, if you have 300 big ones, a paltry P4 million from the PSC doesn’t reall, count, does it?

Though I am not familiar with how the deal works—will the P300M come in tranches—I want to know one thing, where will it go? In the previous PFF admin, I’d be worried but in the present set-up, I know the money won’t go to anyone’s pockets. I just want to know where it goes.

We deserve to know, besides this is money that the PFF got from its fans. Without the newfound support from fans, the PFF won’t be able to get P300 from the network. (I wonder if P300 million is enough for a stadium.)

The deal may be for the Azkals matches but I hope the money will trickle down to ALL national teams, not just our poster boys. I hope, too, the network giant will air the games of the Malditas, Musangs, Little Azkals and Junior Azkals.

I hope, too, when it comes to pre-match analysis, commentators will mention the clubs and the UFL even if the league is aired over a rival network. Guys, it’s not the Dark Lord, let’s mention the names shall we? The clubs who shell out P190,000 a month for an Azkal deserve it.

Enough of this competing-network-crap—the reason that was cited why UFL clubs aren’t mentioned during ABS CBN airtime—because even ANC News carry crawlers/updates of PBA games.

This is now showbiz, this is football. Let’s keep it that way.

By the way, aside from the TV deal, Dan is also set to negotiate for the new outfitter of the Azkals since Mizuno’s contract has lapsed.

I don’t think Mizuno, which has been touting how they have supported the Azkals during lean times, will get the contract. Heck, I don’t think they deserve it, despite how many slanted PRs they will release to the public of how they were the knight-in-shining-armor during the dark days of Philippine football.

They only have themselves to blame.

Whichever outfit Dan gets, I only hope for one thing—the new outfitter won’t do a Mizuno when it comes to fans’ desire to get jerseys. When Mizuno was the outfitter, it felt like indeed the dark days of Philippine football because you can’t get any! Once, I dropped by the Mizuno stall in Ayala Cebu every week for five straight weeks and all I got was, “The jersey will be available next week!”

If Mizuno comes calling Sir Dan, please tell them you’ll talk to them next week!

UFL. So Kaya beat Air Force—an upset as one outfit called it—and Loyola survived the Green Archers, who bungled two penalities, during the opening day of the UFL.

I don’t think Kaya’s win was an upset and as for the Air Force, I think their offense would do well if, ironically, Ian Araneta stops ~~scoring~~ trying so hard to score.

Ever since the Azkals breakout campaign in 2010, it seems Ian has been pressuring himself to show to the new fans that he can score because he was the top scorer of the team pre Suzuki Cup.

And I think the pressure is affecting his performance and one play during the Air Force vs. Kaya match showed that. As the Riders were on a counterattack, Ian had two men to his left and another to his right but instead of passing, he forced his way to the Kaya box and lost the ball. Sadly, it is becoming a familiar scene.

I know Ian can score and as one of my favorite players, I want him to score every time he puts on the national team jersey but he’s got to learn to acknowledge when somebody is in a better scoring position.

Just like that time in Vietnam, when he provided the pass to Phil Younghusband. Now that was my favorite Ian Araneta move. (Edit---Ian gathered Phil's initial shot, and passed it to a streaking Chris Greatwich, who in turn found Phil)