2 Cebuanos join RP pool for AFC Cup

Only two Cebuanos will be joining the RP football training pool for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in Bangladesh.

They are Michael Casas, who's now with San Beda College and Ref Cuaresma of the Philippine Navy.

Another Cebuano Arnie Pasinabo begged off to concentrate more on his studies.

Pasinabo, the Most Valuable Player in the just-concluded PFF Men's National Open, is a former M. Lhuillier-Carmen booter.

He also used to play for University of Cebu before he transferred to University of Saint La Salle-Bacolod.

"Arnie begged off due to his studies. The guy is only 20 years old. He has a bright future ahead of him," says Cebu Football Association president Maxi Maximo.

Both Casas and Cuaresma are goalkeepers, who are hoping to get a ticket to Bangladesh along with UST's Jonas Valenzuela and Philippine Army's Edward Sacapano.

The other 31 players named by coach Aris Caslib for the training pool are defenders Aly Borromeo (Kaya FC), Mark Villon (Mendiola FC), Bervic Italia (Iloilo FA), Gerard Orcullo (San Beda College), Jesan Candolesa (Mendiola FC), Franco Bambico (University of the Philippines), Anton del Rosario (Kaya FC), Wilson De La Cruz (Army FC), Andrew Santiago (University of the Philippines)

Midfielders Jeffrey Liman (San Beda College), James Younghusband (Chelsea FC), Rolly Perez (University of the East), Anton Gonzales (University of the Philippines), Roel Gener (Army FC), Emelio Caligdong (Air Force FC), Jeremias Jiao (Mendiola FC), Marjo Allado (University of Santo Tomas), Peter Jaugan (University of Mindanao), Leigh James Gunn, Winnie Subere (Air Force FC), Alvin Valeroso (University of the East), Alfie Caminos (Navy FC) and strikers Freddy Gonzalez (Kaya FC), Ian Araneta (Air Force FC),Phil Younghusband (Chelsea FC), Vaughn Mellendrez (Mendiola FC), Luis Brillantes (Army FC).