CMORFA U19 TEAM ON THE BRINK OF QUALIFICATION
CAGAYAN de Oro City — I have already predicted that the Camiguin-Misamis Oriental Regional Football Association (CMORFA) U19 lads would dominate their Group G elimination tournament before they could even start their first match in the on-going elimination tournament at the Pelaez Sports stadium.
They dominated Butuan Agusan del Norte Football Association (BANFA) 1-0, in their first match and then whipped Agusan del Sur-Surigao del Sur RFA (AGSURRFA) 6-0 in their second match. They will face Dinagat Island Regiona FA (SNADIRFA) in the last day of the competitions today at the same venue.
The lads of coaches Ivan Caiña and Jerome dela Peña prepared hard and well for this competition. They exactly had three months of prep before they declared ready and fit to compete.
Lad for lad, the CMORFA boys have talents. Most of them have Palarong Pambansa experience and all of them are skilful. They are also fast, quick and strong lads and the best talents from Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental. Camiguin is part of CMORFA but they are not represented in this team.
Some of the lads are familiar faces and I have seen them play in local tournaments. Lyle Dy, Jeff ‘JL’ Cascara, John Gementiza, Kent Quieta, Raffi Rubio, Ino Butaslac and Josh Go were all members of the Region 10 Elementary Palaro team which saw action in the Albay Palaro in 2016. Youngster Kinsey ’Kid’ Yañez has played for the Regional X Elementary team in the Vigan Palaro in 2019.
Jeff Cascara of Rosevale School has improved since his brief stint with La Salle Zobel when he was in 10th grade. He used to play wing but has been moved to left full back. He has been solid at the back four and he is now oozing with confidence. Cascara returned to Rosevale School for his Senior HS and has graduated.
Striker Lyle Dy also of Rosevale School has also blossomed from an attacking midfielder into dangerous striker. He scored a breathtaking free kick outside the penalty box in their match against Agusan del Sur-Surigao del Sur RFA (AGSURRFA).
Raffi Rubio is probably the most skilful player in the team. The Corpus Christi School midfielder is a joy to watch on the pitch. He scored the opening goal vs AGSURRFA. The only problem with him is that he is a magnet of tough defenders. He did not finish the match as he got a hard foul and limped to the sidelines.
Kent Quieta of Abbas Montessori School has been a regular on the wings for the team. Although he has not scored a goal, he provides the center passes to the midfields and strikers.
Kinsey ‘Kid’ Yañez is the youngest of the group at 16-years-old. He is big, skilful and quick. He plays midfielder and was a replacement for an injured player. He did not disappoint tough as coach Ivan has promoted him to the starting line-up.
Ino Butaslac, Josh Go and John Gemetiza complete their solid back four. Butaslac although a doubtful starter today, is a seasoned defender. He is also very skilful and very confident at the back. He might however not play today after falling ill after their game against BANFA.
Josh Go was a striker while playing for Rosevale School during grade school. He was moved to right back when he played for the U15 National team in 2018 and has not left ever since. He is also very reliable at the back and is one of the reasons why they still keep a clean sheet as of the moment.
John Gementiza is the stabiliser and leader of the team. Coach Ivan has appointed him as skipper for his discipline. John plays holding midfielder but since Bulaslac fell ill, he has been a great central defender.
Coach Jerome dela Peña has contributed seven players to this team. The seven players from Ginggoog City where coach Jerome coaches the Galica FC, include goalkeeper Rafael Reyes, midfielder Adrin Yder, midfielder Luigi Awayan. winger Jave Vallar, defender Paulo Padaga, winger John Magalzo, defender Kurt Tabamo.
Raffy Reyes remains untested but has been reliable so far between the sticks. His towering presence is intimidating and has kept a clean sheet for the CMORFA boys. Fast boy Jave Vallar has been an effective substitute. He scored a goal against Agusan del Sur-Surigao del Sur RFA (AGSURRFA).
Completing the team are forward Nickvan Longanay of Golden City FC, defender Thirdy Seriosa of Higala FC, forward John Salip of Naawan United FC, defender Pedro Tagara of Naawan United FC, goalkeeper Ram Solis of Opol FC, defender Gabriel Valdeo of Monte Carlo FC, midfielder Patrick Mendoza of Opol FC, defender Sean Amora of Higala FC, forward Cesar del Cruz of Naawan United FC, and Jomar Manabilang of Xavier University.
The Visayas-Mindanao Championship set next month at still an unknown venue will be a different level of competition. It will be another battle for the lads. The CMORFA officials led by president Mike Batiles and General Secretary Dhon Lazo will have their hands full in this tournament. But with their endless support, and the support from the CMORFA football community, success will be easier for the boys. (jackbiantan@yahoo.com)
