WHEN the United City FC took over from Ceres FC a few months ago, there were questions on whether the new team should be given Ceres’ spot in the AFC competitions, given the change and all.
Like most, I thought the team should since it’s just basically a change in ownership as most of the players are still back in the squad, led by leader Stephen Schrock.
However, that question becomes moot now as the AFC has decided to cancel the AFC Cup due to Covid-19, leaving Kaya FC and United City with only the domestic league to concentrate on.
The teams are now in the early phases of their training, with guest team the Azkals Developmental Team set to hold its own training bubble in Balesin Island. Makes you wonder who’s the backer of this squad, right?
I hope there are no further interruptions in the league and the teams can play out the season. They were supposed to start in March but we all know everything went belly up since then and right now, everything is all about 2021.
They need to finish the season to determine who plays in the AFC competitions in 2021 though I think it’s a safe bet that it might be United City or Kaya FC. Of course, we can’t discount the Stallions since we all know what they are capable of. As for the guest team, the ADT needs matches under its belt for its ultimate goal, the 2021 Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam. So far, the Southeast Asian Games seems to be pushing through and I sure hope that will be the case.
As for the local league, I’m eager to know how the new team Maharlika FC will perform, given that they signed veterans Anton del Rosario, Misagh Bahadoran and Jerry Barbaso among others. I guess it’s safe to say we won’t be seeing Global FC and based on indications, or lack thereof, we may have seen the last of the former UFL champions.
Of course, one can’t help but wish that local football competitions like the Aboitiz Cup and the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. will also resume but that won’t happen this year. So, it’s the Philippine Professional League that will be the focus of the football fans. I thought we’d be all engrossed in the Messi watch by this time too, but that got yanked out before it could blossom.
So, after a few months of uncertainty, we are closer to the season and I can’t wait for the league to start.