DYNAMIC Herb Cebu FC finally makes its much anticipated debut in the pro league as it takes on Stallion Laguna FC in its lone match in Group A of the Philippines Football League (PFL) Copa Paulino Alcantara on Nov. 10, 2021 at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
Cebu FC and Stallion FC are both assured a spot in the semifinals after the shocking withdrawal of defending champion United City FC.
Despite already being assured of a spot in the next stage, Cebu FC will use this group stage match to gain momentum going into the semifinals.
“There are positives and there are also negatives. We have only one game (for the group stage) and it will serve as an adjustment period because we didn’t have any friendly matches,” Cebu FC head coach Oliver Colina told SunStar Cebu.
“Actually, I don’t know their players. But we all know that Stallion FC has been an established club in the country for a long time and that they have been champions before. I think this is a big test for our team in preparation for the semifinals.”
Cebu FC got a huge boost in its roster after acquiring the services of two foreign players that have already played in the PFL—Argentine midfielder Ricardo Sendra and Spanish defender Joaco Cañas.
Sendra, who has been with the club for a month now, is a former player of Stallion FC and Mendiola FC 1991. He also played for clubs in Argentina, South Korea and Indonesia.
Cañas, on the other hand, is a fixture in Philippine pro football. He started playing in the Philippines in 2012 for Stallion FC. He has also played for FC Meralco Manila and Maharlika Manila FC.
Colina said both Sendra and Cañas have already adjusted well to the team.
Colina has not yet decided on his starting 11 for the match against Stallion FC. It will depend on who is in top form.
“It depends on the performance of our last training (Nov. 9). All my players are important to me because they have different roles and responsibilities. So whichever 11 is on the field it will be okay. Substitutions will be very vital for me,” said Colina.
“Yes, they are ready. We invite the Cebuano football community and football fans to watch and cheer for our own team.”
Cebu FC is the newest club in the PFL right now. The club, which is owned by Turkish businessman Ugur Tasci, just got its provisional license to play in the pro league this year.
On the other hand, Kaya FC-Iloilo looks to finish the group stage with a perfect slate as it takes on Mendiola FC 1991 in Group B.