Limpag: Global and Cebu

GLOBAL Cebu and the Cebu football community had one of the best tieups in Philippine club football in 2017. Not only did the home games attract a strong following, everyone paid their way to the venue. That was something that was uncommon in the Philippine Football League (PFL) that season, when teams gave away tickets just to get bodies at home games.

And no, Cebu football fans are not blind followers. Visiting team staff told me that they were surprised to hear of the Cebu crowd applauding a defensive clearance or a cheeky midfield move. It’s always the goals the other fans cheer for, but not Cebu.

And, of course, who could forget that final Global Cebu home game against Ceres. That for me was the proudest moment that I associate with Cebu’s one-year daliance with pro football. Before that Nov. 28 game, Cebu and Ceres were assured of spots in the playoff, a win was inconsequential.

They gave the fans, who were expecting an action-packed match, a glorified scrimmage and resounding boos at half-time and after the final whistle, showed Cebu fans are not like your ordinary fans. On a personal note, I was doubly disappointed with Global in that game, considering the lengths we had to go through to make sure the game pushed through.

We had our SunStar Football Cup booked for Nov. 24 and 25 months ahead. With less than a month to go, we learned the PFL rescheduled the Global Cebu vs. Ceres Negros game on Nov. 28, just three days after our seven-a-side tournament would have eviscerated the field. And against picky Negros, you can’t have that kind of field.

I got a call from Global’s coordinator a day after the Ceres game schedule came out and before he could he even say a word, I told him we would move our tournament two weeks early. When I announced the change to the coaches, not one of them complained when I said that Global would use the field. We had to give them the best pitch possible.

Then they gave us a glorified scrimmage against Negros.

I guess, it was telling that that was the last home game for Global. A few weeks later, the team would go on a downward spiral that up to now it hasn’t recovered. A change of ownership and team management, plus another change in ownership had Cebu fans scratching their heads. What the (Duterte’s fave word) is happening with Global?

There was an attempt to get Cebu involved. Heck, I tried to arrange a meeting with a few football big pockets here with Global management but nothing happened. No, I’m not blaming Global Cebu. I think at that time, management just had too many things to consider. They got overwhelmed.

Now, with a new league and a new season on the horizon, like I suggested to management last year, it’s time to break with Cebu. Global doesn’t get any support from Cebu and to be honest, it’s becoming an embarrassment to Cebu. This way, Global can find a new home, a new community that will support it and the Cebu football community can start forming the groundswell of support for a club that will represent Cebu in the PFL.

Breakups can be difficult but it can also mean a new start for both parties.

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