The Dynamic Heb Cebu Football Club strong showing in the Copa Alcantara has not only turned heads but changed the flavor of the competition. After getting an easy win over the Azkals Developmental Team, 3-0, via forfeit that left a bad taste in some fans’ mouths, Dynamic Cebu assured itself of a spot in the semifinal round with a comeback 3-1 win on Monday night against Mendiola.
With 9 points in three games, Cebu sits at second, trailing leaders Kaya (13 points) with two games at hand.
“Love their energy and team spirit. They’ve been a welcome addition to the Copa. Not really that surprised since I feel they got a lot of lessons from last year, but it’s still a challenge to translate that into these type of performances. Nonetheless, the Copa just got more exciting because of DHC,” said Cedelf Tupas, the head of broadcast for the Philippine Football Federation.
Last year, Dynamic Herb lost its debut to the Stallions and this year, it beat the Stallions, 2-0, to open its campaign on a strong note with goals from Chima Uzoka and Roberto Corsame. Against Mendiola, it was Ardir Cinkir who came up big, scoring the equalizer and the go-ahead goal.
“The Turkish players are really good. I love their passion energy and team spirit,” said Tupas. “From the broadcast standpoint, I am happy that Cebu is here and the team is competitive.”
Aside from Cinkir, the other Turkish players in the squad are midfielder Mert Altinoz and center back Nazim Ozcan.
I’m really looking forward for the PFL to have games in Cebu.
Cedelf Tupas, PFF Broadcast Head
For his part, Stallions Laguna coach Ernie Nierras also see some positive changes in the team since it named Memet Kakil as the new head coach.
“They are doing really better than us right now. The players are responding well to the new coach and the players are working together also,” said Nierras.
After Mendiola, Cebu will have a tight schedule with matches against Maharlika on May 5, United City FC on May 8, Kaya on May 12 and the semifinals on May 12.
“If they continue to improve, I do not see any reason why not,” Nierras said on Dynamic Herb’s chances for a finals spot. “They still have a few positions that they can improve on but overall, they are a much stronger team than last year.”
Like Tupas, Nierras thinks Dynamic Cebu’s strong performance in the league will be a boost.
“It will be a positive impact on the league and the teams,” said Nierras.
