The GFC Under 9 team during the opening ceremony of the second season of the Grassroots Football League. | contributed photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Even before the second season of the Grassroots Football League (GFL) comes to an end on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the football pitch of the PAREF Springdale in Lahug, the Giuseppe Football Club (GFC) Under 9 team is already hoisting the title of the U9 category.
The GFC Under-9 team won the most number of games and posted a record of seven wins, one draw and one loss for 22 points, enough for the top spot and the title.
The category is played in a league-type format and whoever wins the most number of games automatically becomes the champion.
The GFL U9 gathered a total of 10 teams, which means that each team gets to play a total of nine games.
The Kamagayan FC with head coach Rico Ramirez (in yellow) and team manager Nestor Ramirez (in white). | Contributed photo
Finishing as runner-up to GFC is the newly-formed Kamagayan FC, which amassed 21 points. The team won six games, had no loss but had three draws.
Despite finishing as runner up, Kamagayan FC is very much contented with how it performed.
“Mura na sad mi na champion ani kay preparado ang Giuseppe, nya second mi nila,” said Nestor Ramirez, Kamagayan FC’s team manager.
(It’s the same as winning the championship because Giuseppe is a team that is always prepared and we finished second to them.)
In fact, GFC’s only loss in the tournament was inflicted by the Kamagayan (2-0), while its lone draw was against PAREF, 1-all.
Kamagayan, on the other hand, settled for draws against Canduman (1-1), Cubacub (1-1) and PAREF (0-0).
Other teams that both clubs won against were University of San Jose Recoletos (USJ-R), San Roque FC, Singapore School Cebu, USJ-R Balamban FC and Abba’s Orchard.
Ramirez added that what makes the runner-up finish sweet for the team is that the Kamagayan players look up to the GFC booters.
“Ang Giusseppe idol na sa mga taga Kamagayan, mao na lipay na sila ma second kay sa preparation lang daan grabe ka nindot sa Giuseppe,” said Ramirez, adding “Ang Kamagayan intawon sa aspalto ra mag practice.”
(Kamagayan idolise the Giuseppe, that is why they are already happy finishing second to them because Giuseppe is well prepared team. Kamagayan boys, on the other hand, just practice on the asphalt road.)
Both teams have a chance to clinch the U11 and U13 titles.
In the U11, GFC and Kamagayan are currently at the no.1 and 2 spot, respectively, and have one match remaining each.
In the U13, GFC is at the second spot with two games remaining while Kamagayan is at the fourth spot with one more match to go. /bmjo