MEMBERS of the Cebu Regional Football Association’s 50-above team showed they got what it takes as they brought home the crown in the 3rd Copa Dumaguete Bacolod Leg over the week end.
The squad, led by team manager Nilo Ferraren and team captain Randy Estremos, topped the group stage four wins, a draw and one loss, good for 13 points.
CRFA defeated Real Negrense B, 1-0, Bacolod United, 1-0, and Dumaguete, 2-0, but lost to Iloilo FC, 1-0, in the first day.
In the second day, CRFA defeated San Agustine Manila, 1-0, before earning its lone draw against the Blue Guards Manila, 0-0, to seal a spot in the final against No. 2 team Iloilo FC.
In the final, CRFA leaned on the heroics of goal keeper Erwin Ybanez, who stopped two penalty shots in the shootout for their victory.
The other members of the squad Gaudito Taneo, Elkan Ledesma, Rod Baring, Ernie Cabilla, Danilo Juezan, Richard Montayre, Tata Arriesgado, Edwin B. Bronda Jr., Raymund Meca, Rocklint Viliran, Gregorio Pereyra, Dante Perez, Tahir Er, Shoval Ofer, Arnel Catalan, and Renato Hermoso.
Aside from the 50-above team, the CRFA’s 40-above squad, represented by members of the Don Bosco Football Alumni Association, also brought home the bronze medal in their division.
Next year, the 50-above squad will get to defend its title on home soil as it will host the 4th Copa Dumaguete Cebu leg.
Engr. Ferraren, a member of the CRFA board, says the CRFA is promising a hosting that will be unforgettable for all participants and is looking at holding it at the SM Seaside Football Stadium if it will be finished this year or at the Dynamic Herb stadium.
Games will also be played from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the quarterfinal, semifinal and championship round to be played on Day 3.