TEAM Cagayan de Oro-Little Me Academy Football Club chairman Ike Olandesca is confident his players will have a good showing in the Mindanao Cup Invitational football tournament now underway, October 22, at the Tionko pitches in Davao City.
The CdeO boys U12 team of coach Marlon Merlin was formed barely a month ago and is made up of players from City Division meet winners West City Central School, Kauswagan FC, International School and Little Me Academy.
The Mindanao Cup is organized by Negros Occidental Football Association president Ricky Yanson Jr.
Players from West City Central School played for City District champions West 1 team, while Kauswagan FC players, International School and Little Me Academy played for third placer North district team.
Players from other winning schools -- Rosevale School and Corpus Christi School -- were invited but begged off to skip the event due to conflicting schedules at school.
"This team although was formed only less than a month, was able to play well and in fact gained the respect of the audience. I see them like the Azkals playing against China," Olandesca said, referring to the gallant stand of the Azkals against the powerhouse China team during the Fifa Qatar World Cup Asian elimination competition held in Bacolod City last week.
And Olandesca sees the "never quit spirit" among the boys.
"They give their best no matter what. This team can give their opponents a run for their money just like the Azkals did when they earned one point in their scoreless draw against China," he said.
He also said their opponents should better watch out. "They have a lot of potential and everyone should watch out for them. This team holds a lot of promise."
Equally optimistic is CdeO team coach Marlon Merlin.
"As a coach I have humble expectations but I expect my team to perform well
in the Mindanao Cup. We will do everything to make Cagayan de Oro proud," he said.