Negros booters face Japan

IT’S pride and showmanship at stake when the Negros First shinbusters battle the visiting Japanese booters on August 25 at 10 am at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.


Executive Assistant to Governor Alfredo Marañon and concurrent Provincial Sports Coordinator Angel Verdeflor said that this goodwill game is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Organization for Industrial Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA)-Philippines Chapter scheduled from August 23-25.



He added that the Negrense squad will be mentored by former national head coach Norman Fegidero and assisted by Paul Espinosa.


Meanwhile, Fegidero yesterday revealed the initial Negros First line-up that include keepers Bon Jovi Umbao and 6-foot Alfred Zuñega; Crismelo Aguilar, Marcelo Desucatan, Jazel Duazo, John Carlo Lucero, Noel Madraga, Marti Malubay, Ray Romy Malundo, Christ Je Opelario, Rudennis Palomo, Neil Patrick Quezada, Daniel Ramos, Eduardo Requiron, Alfie Sebuha, Abner Uberas, Jerc Umadhay, JemarCioson, Raynell Fgidero and Femar Suganob.


Fegidero pointed out that the team is composed mostly of players aged 17 and under from West Negros University.


This much-awaited match is expected to be an exciting display of talents and skills, most especially from the visiting squad, which is known as a football powerhouse in Asia and currently ranked No. 16 in the world by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (Fifa), the highest for an Asian country.


Football now has gained a place in every Filipino’s heart, particularly the Negrenses. It was noticeable during the last Azkals-Mongolia Challenge Cup Leg 1 where almost thirty thousand people flocked to Panaad Stadium to watch the game.


The Negrenses likewise trooped to Panaad to cheer the local squad during the PFF-Suzuki U23 National Cup and the PFF women’s tournaments. (Jerome S. Galunan Jr.)


Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on August 23, 2011.