Parents cry foul over CFA’s ‘broken promise’

THE Cebu Football Association (CFA) will be fielding the Cebu Elite Team for a series of tournaments in San Carlos City this summer.

However, some of the parents of the team aren’t too happy after they were told just two weeks before the March 25 tournament that they will have to shoulder the expenses of their children.

“Parents were asked to shoulder the expenses of their children. They (CFA) announced it too close to the tournament and there are some parents who can’t afford to send their children there since it’s a five-day event,” Cebu Amateur Football Club (CAFC) president Glen Quisido said.

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CAFC’s Francis Ramirez said the 12-Under team got lucky because it was able to find a sponsor, something the 14-Under team couldn’t.

Panfilo Espiritu, whose son John Dexter, is a member of the 14- Under selection, said they were heartbroken upon learning the news.

“We really thought all of the expenses are for free. Nahiubos mi sa CFA kay ila ming gipasaligan since from the very beginning sa training,” Espirito said in an interview at the Aboitiz Sports field yesterday. “Ang amo nalang gyud solution ani kay mangutang kay nag expect naman gud ang mga bata and we don’t want to fail them.”

Sally Ligan, a house wife whose husband works as a taxi driver, got teary- eyed as she expressed her disappointment.

She said that when she learned about her son Clint being included in the elite team, they were so happy.

“Hina-ot unta matagaan solution ang players from public schools,” Ligan said.

Glory

Another parent who requested anonymity said that it was CFA President Richard Montayre who broke the news to them. Montayre reportedly said that the fund is there but they are still waiting for it to be released by the Philippine Football Federation.

“This is unfair, the glory is with CFA and the burden is with us,” the parent said, who added that all the CFA provided the team was free use of the Aboitiz field, uniforms and bags.

Sun.Star Cebu tried calling Montayre for his side but his cell phone was off. CFA’s Eleazar Toledo also didn’t answer his phone when called.

The San Carlos tournament is an important event since the PFF will be selecting players for the RP U14 team there.