Cebu teams falter in 9th Rifa Cup

By Cheska D. Geli

Sunday, January 22, 2012

PAREF Springdale failed to bring home a title this year and settled for third and second place finishes in the 9th RIFA Cup International Football Festival in Manila.

The team bowed down to Central Mindanao University, 2-1, in the finals of the Boys 96 division with Renko Gaudiel scoring the lone goal.


In the Boys 98 class, the squad failed to reach the championships and got third place after beating Holy Cross of Bukidnon, 2-1, with Ryan James Haosen banking the two goals.

The match also served as a rematch of sorts of last year’s Palarong Pambansa elementary finals when Central Visayas, manned by Springdale, lost to Holy Cross Bukidnon.

The third and second place finishes by Springdale this year fell short of their campaign last year when they won two titles and a second-place finish.

Head coach Mario Ceniza admitted the team lacked training and preparation and promised to improve their performance next year.

“Kuwang ug training. Dili sad mi makapractice sa field if mag uwan kay dili siya suitable for playing,” said Ceniza.

Paref Springdale sent eight teams to compete in the different age groups of this annual football festival.

Sacred Heart Ateneo de Cebu, which also regularly joins the Rifa Cup, placed fourth in the Boys 99 after losing to Claret School by penalty shootout, 2-0.

Ateneo de Cebu also fielded eight teams and its Boys 97 won all its games in the elimination round but failed to advance to the knockout stage on goal difference.

Nevertheless, head coach Jong Perez said he was satisfied with the performance of his players.

“It was a good performance from the team and we’ll make sure to be a stronger team next year,” said Ramos.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on January 23, 2012.