It may not have looked like a hub of energy from the outside, but the Gemini Building in Las Piñas hummed with anticipation as Mendiola FC presented their new kit for the upcoming 2019 Philippines Premier League season earlier today.
The kits, borne of a partnership deal between the club and Indonesian football gear makers FAT, come in a classy red-and-white halved shirt reminiscent of Dutch giants Feyenoord, while their change kit is a striking red and yellow-striped affair. Their goalkeepers meanwhile are decked in green with irregular yellow and grey stripes, and an all-slate affair as an alternate.
Mendiola President Enoch Inocencio metioned during the presentation that the club would be carrying on the values of their predecessors where we believe football is for everyone. They are also to be known as Los Valientes – the brave ones, jumping into battle. In closing, they revealed that the kits would be available for purchase as early as tomorrow, the 30th of March, via the club’s social media channels and their upcoming club website, to go online after the Holy Week.
Your humble scribe was able to speak to several members of the Mendiola squad and the President of FAT in the process of covering the event, and several excerpts can be found here:
Mendiola captain Aaron Altiche:
On players to watch from their ranks –
“Everyone in the squad is worth keeping an eye on because it’s a squad full of hungry young players”.
On the transition between this season and the previous year –
“It’s refreshing since for the first time in a long while I’ve found home; excitement has been renewed and it feels like being back in college again, fighting with guys who share the same values.”
FAT Chairman Franky Adi Thama:
on partnering with Mendiola –
“It’s easier to find partners outside of Indonesia because ownerships are more engaged here compared to there; also the draw of producing kit in the colors of the Indonesian flag was a huge factor. I am also very honored to partner with Mendiola FC, as we look to expand into not only this market but the Malaysian and Spanish markets.”
On kit availability –
“Kits will be available in 2 trim levels soon – the typical replica kitand a player issue trim”
Mendiola manager Dan Padernal:
On managing expectations regarding standings –
“I trust these young men to do their best and play for the badge. If it results in us winning the league then it’s a good year.”
