PFF Smart U-22 quarters unfolds in Bacolod

MANILA, Philippines - Fancied Negros Occidental and Cavite take on separate rivals as the PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Football Championship kicks off today with the quarterfinal round in Bacolod City. 

The host Negrenses, bannered by standouts from San Carlos City, drew Mindanao powerhouse North Cotabato for their quarters assignment at 8 a.m. at North Ceres Football Field. 

Represented by the core of newly crowned NCAA champion Arellano University, Cavite collides with Bukidnon at 3 p.m. at Panaad Sports Complex for a place in the semifinals.

The other quarterfinal matches pit Davao against Camarines Norte at Panaad and Misamis Occidental versus Cordillera at North. Another draw will be held on Thursday to determine the semis pairings. 

“We have eight strong teams here,” said Negros Occidental coach John Carmona, whose team ruled the tough Visayas group that included Cebu and Negros Oriental. 

“Once you reach the national finals, preparation and scouting are important. We can’t take the Mindanao teams for granted because they also have strong grassroots programs,” he added. 

The winner of the tournament will receive P100,000 prize with the losing finalist to get P75,000. 

Epok Quimpo of Smart Sports said focus of the tournament is to discover fresh talents who can be tapped, developed and trained to become members of the national pool and eventually represent the country in various international competitions.

“We hope that these players will eventually represent the country,” said Quimpo during the press conference yesterday. 

Tournament director Cyril Dofitas said teams are allowed to have three foreign players in their respective rosters.

Cavite’s Arellano U players are upbeat of their chances, their confidence boosted by their stunning victory over many-time champion San Beda in the NCAA finals. 

But coach Ravelo Saluria will miss six key players from the champion team, including MVP Jumbeng Guinabang, who saw action in the United Football League. 

Charles Gamutan, a goalscorer in the NCAA finals, will spearhead the attack for the Cavite side. 

“The format is very exciting as it keeps teams on their toes,” said Saluria. “We have to be at our best each game just to survive and make the next rounds.”