THE Davao-Go-Duterte team will test its mettle in a commercial league slated to open on Thursday, July 26, 2018 in Bagobo, Surigao del Sur.
Davao-Go-Duterte head coach Miggy Solitaria, in a Facebook interview with SunStar Davao, said the Surigao stint is part of the team's preparation for the upcoming annual cagefest that will also showcase defending champion University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, National University (NU) Bulldogs and University of Cebu (UC) next month.
"The main objective of the tournament is to prepare the team for Kadayawan and winning is secondary," Solitaria said.
The Davao City-based squad is composed of Filipinos led by De Lasalle Zobel standout Francis Gabriel Escandor, Kim Madera, Dale Soriano, Brian Mago, Ivan San Diego, Joshua Aguilon, Miguel Pacheco, James Linares, Koi Espiritu, Glen Manlangit, Jason Malinao, Conrad Fernando, Lois Josol, James Doblado and Miguel Plata. Imports Leandry Sanjo and Moustafa Arafat will reinforce the team.
Solitaria said Sanjo and Arafat fit the system designed by the Ronel Leuterio-led coaching staff.
"The are among the quickest imports who are available. Our initial practice with them went well," Solitaria, a former De La Salle University coaching staff, added.
He also said the University of Visayas is the toughest team to reckon with in Surigao.
Davao-Go-Duterte team leaves for Surigao del Sur on Wednesday, July 25, 2018.