CERES FC left no stone unturned and was already up, 3-0, in the first 27 minutes of the PFL final, making what was supposed to be a competitive affair a one-way contest. Ceres, the busiest of all the PFL teams due to its AFC campaign, had the strength in numbers thanks to their deep squad.
This early, there are rumors of player departures from the PFL and with the reported Asean import rule for other Asean leagues next year, the roster in the different PFL teams are sure to change.
The Asean rule--meaning teams in the region are entitled to one Asean import--might also mean some of our top locals could ply their wares abroad, paving the way for those who rode the bench last year to get some starting spots.
The PFL will just be in its second season, but I hope it also adopts a local player rule, meaning clubs are required to recruit players where they are based at. Three on the list and one to play? Global Cebu has one local in John Melgo and I think Meralco Manila and Kaya Makati also have locals. I’m not sure, though, with Davao, Laguna and Ilocos.
It’s an advantage for Bacolod, Cebu, the NCR teams and even Davao, which has strong football background but it might put Laguna and Ilocos at a disadvantage because the grassroots programs in these areas are just starting.
I thought of that rule when, during the last home game of Global Cebu, the crowd cheered wildly when Melgo finally got to play in the match. It strengthens the connection between the club and the home fans and perhaps, it also shows the young kids that they too could make it.
Something to consider in the future?
POC MAKEOVER. The Pasig RTC has ruled on the case filed by Ricky Vargas, who was barred from running for the POC post last year. It ordere the POC to hold another election, this time with Vargas as a contender.
It’s a first step to much needed change in the POC, the second of course, is getting Vargas elected. Now the last time there were two contenders for the POC post, vote buying was so blatant nobody bothered to hide the envelopes.
I wonder what happens in February, 2018.