3 teams vying for honors in PFF-Suzuki reg’l tourney

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.
Three teams are vying for the top spot when the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)-Suzuki Men’s U23 Visayas Regional Finals kicks off in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental with the schedule to be finalized today.
These teams include tournament leader and undefeated Negros Occidental Football Association’s Ceres-La Salle squad, followed by Iloilo Football Association and Cebu Football Association. The host-NOFA squad banners an unblemished record of 8-0 win-loss card.
These clubs topped last year’s five-team qualifying round played at the Ayala North pitch in Talisay City, Negros Occidental with Leyte Football Association and Negros Oriental Football Association also seeing action.
Meanwhile, PFF Competition head, Cyril Dofitas, and representatives from Suzuki are expected to arrive for this tournament’s press conference at 11 a.m. today at the San Carlos City Hall.
The Freddie “Nene” Lazarito-mentored NOFA/Ceres-La Salle squad will banner homeground talent Gerardo Valmayor III, skipper Jimmy Malalo-an, Fil-Am Joshua Beloya, Raymark Fernandez, reigning “best goal keeper” Robert Mendoza, second choice keeper Benito Rosalia, third keeper Jurex Replentes, Florence Panogaling, Florence Agraviador, Anthony Tongson, George Balceda, Alan Alfaro, Neil Ryan Lirio, Norman Selotorio, Feb Beneminito Baya, Archie Familiar, Ramoniño Aledro, Kent Guevarra, Marcellana, Joash Cabus, Bon Jovi Amanquiton, Chip Christian Robles, John Timothy Bolo, J Baguiro, Abelardo Solinas, Michael Continedo, Micheal Cornel, John Vendell Marcellana, Joel Bedia and Jimuel Arriola.
With Lazarito in the coaching staff are assistant coaches Ramon Janeo, Ali Rojas Go, Lemuel Unabia, Hemerson Campo and goalkeeper coach Michael Casas and team physician Dra. Emily Zerrudo. Team managers are Yanson brothers, Leo Rey and Ricky.
The winner of this tournament will advance to the finals with NOFA as the defending champion./

WDJ