PFF-Suzuki U-23 Cup group elims to open

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.

Thursday, May 5, 2011


IT’S all systems go as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Suzuki U-23 National Cup group stage elimination matches kick off on May 6, 2011 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

The event that will run until May 10 is bankrolled by Suzuki Philippines and hosted by the PFF and Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) in cooperation with Governor Alfredo Marañon and the province of Negros Occidental.

NOFA Secretary General Paulline Javelona yesterday disclosed that the Ceres-Negros Team will lead Group A, along with the National Capital Region-B Selection, Masbate and Dipolog-Zamboanga del Norte.

Originally, the Negros squad was in Group B where the competition was not as highly rated. However, the organizers later transferred Negros to make sure that the scheduled matches will be balanced.

Playing in Group B at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Laguna are Iloilo FA, National Capital Region-A, Davao and Laguna.

For the schedule of Bacolod matches, Javelona stated that it will be determined tonight after the Manager’s Meeting at the Luxur Place Hotel.

Comprising the Ceres-Negros Selection mentored by former national men’s team head coach Norman Fegidero are John Robert Mendoza, Lemuel Unabia, Carmelo Tacusalme, Janrick Soriano, Jose Emmanuel Diel, Jimmy Malaloan, Jake Morallo, Anthony Tongson, J Baguioro, Ralph Layumas, Joshua Beloya, Joven Bedic, Abelardo Solinas, Gino Palomo, Willy Mangubat, Jurex Replentes, Aldrin Dolino and Michael Pacite.


Working beside Fegidero are assistant coaches Janeo, Ronnie Tornilla, Simon Hulleza, Ali Go, Carlo Torbela and Michael Casas while Leo Rey Yanson serves as team manager.

Javelona urged all football fanatics, particularly the Negrenses, to watch and support the Negros team.

The top teams that will make it to the finals will clash in a home and away championship match, after which the winner will be crowned as the PFF-Suzuki U-23 Champion.

Moreover, these two top teams will possibly serve as a pool where majority of the players to compose the next ‘Azkals’ will come from and will represent the country in the upcoming 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia.


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on May 05, 2011.