DIMITRI ’Troy’ Limbo is making history for the local football community as he becomes the first Cagayanon to play in the prestigious FA Cup in England.
His club Sunderland RCA will play against Ryhope CW in the Emirates FA Cup prequalifying match on Aug. 10. If they win they will play Clitheroe on Aug. 25.
Sunderland RCA opens their season in the Northern League Division 1 opposite New Castle Benfield FC. They will also see action in the Buildbase Vase FA Cup.
Troy, son of Jun and Darlene Limbo of Xavier Estates, Balulang is currently on a football scholarship taking up Level 3 VTEC in Sports in Sunderland College in England. He is aiming to finish his course next year.
However, a stint in the FA Cup will be a big chance for him to be scouted by bigger clubs. The club souvenir program describes him as a lively winger who could play the number 10.
But right now his mind is set on Sunderland RCA FC (Ryhope Community Association Football Club) based in Ryhope, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, presently playing in the Northern League Division One.
He learned to play football at Rosevale School and then transferred to Abbas Orchard School. He was later signed by La Salle Greenhills where he finished his high school education.
Troy was a member of the original “Little Azkals” team which was organized in summer of 2011. Part of the team was JB Borlongan now playing for the University of the Philippines in the UAAP. Top youth players from Cebu Major Dean Ebarle of Abellana National School, Mario Lorenzo Ceniza of Springdale, Moiselle Angelo Alforque, Vincent Lobitos of Don Bosco Technology Center, Kintaro Miyagi of Sacred Heart School, Lawrence Colina of University of Southern Philippines-Foundation, and Cebuano-Italian Lorenzo Genco were also members of that team.
Troy also played for the RP U23 team in the Southwest Asian Games last year with Borlongan. (l.biantan@gmail.com)