36-Above division
Springdale Dads with Mario Ceniza and Richard Montayre topped the division.
I've seen Montayre's free-kick ability in the past, having seen him score from almost 40 yards in the Aboitiz Cup a few years ago, but I have to admit, I have never seen Mario play.
During the CIS 36-above division a few years ago, Mario was too injured too play, and besides he was the keeper.
However, in the Mizuno Cup, I saw him play and I got too thinking, even if I was still that young, gung-ho, cigarette free and beer free 17-year-old striker, the present Mario will run circles around me.
I've always heard stories about how he could do this and that, and it's good to finally have those stories validated.
Let's hope all the other local legends, especially about another guy older than Mario, who's supposed to be the local version of Roberto Carlos even before Carlos could kick, will take part in the division.
One thing though, it seems, I may be wrong, I've observed that a few of the players in the 36-above division, are too occupied with winning rather than enjoying the game.
I was between Pitch 1 and 3, where the two finals were being played simultaneously. Hence, full observation in each finals was near impossible. I turned my head back and forth so many times, I think my muscles in my neck grew a few inches larger.
But here's what I observed, the shootout in the 36-above got delayed and I heard somebody telling somebody, "this is just a game, let's just play it or words to that effect."
I went near to a Queen City and Springdale Dads player, who were discussing the game, and asked them what was the matter. Nobody said anything.
It was obvious they weren't willing to say anything, so I left them be.
I've seen Montayre's free-kick ability in the past, having seen him score from almost 40 yards in the Aboitiz Cup a few years ago, but I have to admit, I have never seen Mario play.
During the CIS 36-above division a few years ago, Mario was too injured too play, and besides he was the keeper.
However, in the Mizuno Cup, I saw him play and I got too thinking, even if I was still that young, gung-ho, cigarette free and beer free 17-year-old striker, the present Mario will run circles around me.
I've always heard stories about how he could do this and that, and it's good to finally have those stories validated.
Let's hope all the other local legends, especially about another guy older than Mario, who's supposed to be the local version of Roberto Carlos even before Carlos could kick, will take part in the division.
One thing though, it seems, I may be wrong, I've observed that a few of the players in the 36-above division, are too occupied with winning rather than enjoying the game.
I was between Pitch 1 and 3, where the two finals were being played simultaneously. Hence, full observation in each finals was near impossible. I turned my head back and forth so many times, I think my muscles in my neck grew a few inches larger.
But here's what I observed, the shootout in the 36-above got delayed and I heard somebody telling somebody, "this is just a game, let's just play it or words to that effect."
I went near to a Queen City and Springdale Dads player, who were discussing the game, and asked them what was the matter. Nobody said anything.
It was obvious they weren't willing to say anything, so I left them be.
Comments
however, what impressed me with ceniza as a player was during his reign as captain of M.Lhullier. all his teammates looked up to him. he was team captain in the truest sence of the word. i don't know him personally but i've played with several of his former teammates and they have only good things to say about his leadership qualities on the field.
i may be from the other side of the fence - but the football fan in me has to admit that mario was one of our finest players. credit him also for transforming into one of our better youth coaches.
to a large extent, those goals has been achieved. we now have PTA-based teams, and full sided senior matches like the 38-above of CIFC aside from the festivals that has made the division a permanent part of most of our competitions.
however, everything naturally evolves. the fun in the division had given way to fierce competition. players with vintage bodies still think they can do the stuff they used to do and has resulted in some nasty action. unfortunately, many players refuses to leave their egos on the bench and step on the pitch feeling as if they were the same players they were twenty years ago.
the worst thing i witnessed in the seniors division was not age cheating (underage players) nor injuries due to nasty tackles. it was this - several teammates taking turns telling an opposing player "bai, mga tag-iya na mi karon og among kaugalingon nga negosyo - ikaw ga duwa lang gihapon aron maka-bugas".
the fun in the 35 or 36 or 38 division immediately ended for me that instant.
there was a scramble at the goalie's box and the keeper was pinned down at the left post. the ball got tapped out to the penalty box line and was controlled by the attacking team. there was a clear shot directly to the upper corner of the right post.
in an instant, the keeper stood up, and from the lower left post, made a step or two then leapt towards the upper right post and tapped the ball safely away. all in one motion.
i've forgotten which team was playing. if it wasn't USJR it must have been UV. i do remember the name of the goalie - Gemini Sitoy.
i've never seen even a similar save in the whole world since then.