Cebuano in training pool

OLIVER Colina (no 19) got an early birthday gift from national coach Aries Caslib – a spot in the RP training pool.

The former University of San Jose Recoletos standout and Exas point-man, who turns 23 on May 7th impressed Caslib in the two scrimmages held Thursday and yesterday at the University of San Carlos field.

“He’s a good midfielder who can make the dangerous forward pass and he can also take that long shot,” Caslib said during a brief talk after his visit with the kids at the Pabol Football Academy.

Meanwhile, Cebuano football players missed their chances after only five of the 17 showed up in the early session yesterday.

“Maybe, these are the only ones who are really interested,” Caslib reportedly told Cebu Football Association president Jonathan Maximo.

For his part, Colina is elated by his selection.

“This is a dream come true for me, I’ve been waiting for this, though I have to take care of other things because this came as a surprise,” said Colina.

“I’m thinking of where I will get the money to go there, but there is a huge percentage that I will go,” Colina said.

Colina first caught the eye of Caslib when he played against his team in the Ched National Games in Bacolod.

Still, despite his selection on the select 30 man team training pool, Colina will have to earn his spot.

“He’s got to improve his awareness of the whole pitch, his defending behavior and his attitude when he loses the ball. His first reaction is not to recover,” Caslib said.

Aside from that, Colina, who predominantly plays the midfield or striker, must also learn to play two or more positions.

“If he only plays one, and there is another one better than him he won’t make it, he must learn to play other spots,” Caslib said.

Aside from Colina, Caslib is eyeing former Carmen National School mainstay Arnie Pasenabo for his team.

“I will be going to Bacolod to talk with his parents and with his coach,” said Caslib, who handled Pasenabo, Michael Casas and the rest of the Carmen boys who made the Nationa U 17 team a few years back.