By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
Homegrown star and NOFA-Ceres striker Gerardo Valmayor III, son of San Carlos City Mayor Gerardo Jr., is expected to shine at home when the Philippine Football Federation-Suzuki U23 Cup Visayas Regional Qualifying Round kicks off on April 15-20 at the San Carlos pitch.
Valmayor, who also stirred University of the Philippines in the UAAP, has become one of the NOFA-Ceres’ anticipated scorers alongside University of St. La Salle’s Fil-Am Joshua Beloya and J Baguioro, and West Negros University’s Jimuel Arriola.
The San Carlos standout, together with Beloya and defender Reymark “Buboy” Fernandez of Victorias City, are members of the Azkals U23 squad that saw action in the last SEAGames in Indonesia.
NOFA-Ceres veteran tactician Freddie “Nene” Lazarito will parade Valmayor, Beloya, Fernandez, reigning “best goal keeper” Robert Mendoza, second choice keeper Benito Rosalia, third keeper Jurex Replentes, skipper Malalo-an, Arriola, Baguioro, Florence Panogaling, Florence Agraviador, Anthony Tongson, George Balceda, Alan Alfaro, Neil Ryan Lirio, Norman Selotorio, Feb Beneminito Baya, Archie Familiar, Ramoniño Aledro, Kent Guevarra, John Vendell Marcellana, Joash Cabus, Bon Joevie Amanquiton, Chip Christian Robles, John Timothy Bolo, Abelardo Solinas, Michael Continedo and Cornel.
Joining Lazarito in the coaching task are assistants Ramon Janeo, Ali Rojas Go, Lemuel Unabia, goalkeeper coach Michael Casas and team physician Dr. Emily Zerrudo. Leo Rey Yanson is the team manager.
On the other hand, competing for the week-long tournament are host Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA), Iloilo Football Association (IFA), and Cebu Football Association (CFA).
According to Cyril Dofitas, head of the PFF Competition Department, in the regional matches, a double round-robin format will apply with the top two teams advancing to the final qualifying round in Cebu on May 20-25.
During this round, the other top two teams from Luzon and Mindanao will be joining the cast of six squads, which will be divided into two groups. The teams in each bracket will be playing in a double round-robin format to determine which top two teams from each group will advance in the semifinal matches, also in Cebu, on May 27-28.
In the semifinals, the top four squads will be playing in a home-and-away format while the top two teams after the semifinals will compete in the finals, still on a home-and-away format.
This event is bankrolled by San Carlos City headed by Mayor Valmayor, Suzuki Philippines represented by its general manager Shuzo Hoshikura; Dick Emperado, chairman of the PFF Competitions Committee; Paulline Javelona, NOFA secretary-general; and John Carmona, San Carlos City Football Club secretary-general./
WDJ
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