PFF U23 -Bacolod booters to test Cebu

BACOLOD shinbusters will be taking on the Cebu squad Saturday at 1 p.m. for their first assignment in the PFF-Suzuki U-23 Cup Visayas Regionals scheduled April 15-19, 2011 at Silliman Ball Park in Dumaguete City.

Mentored by former national men’s team head coach Norman Fegidero, the local squad will banner 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 will be assistant coaches Ramon Janeo, Ronnie Tornilla, Simon Hulleza, Ali Go, Carlo Torbela and Michael Casas while Leo Rey Yanson serves as team manager.

Meanwhile, after the scheduled match with Cebu, the Bacolod booters will clash against host-Dumaguete on 1 p.m. Sunday, battle Iloilo on Monday (1 p.m.) and square off with Leyte on Tuesday (1 p.m.).

The staging of PFF-Suzuki U-23 Cup is a partnership of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and Suzuki Philippines to tap the wealth of talented booters in the country.


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 Champions.


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. (JSG)

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on April 15, 2011.