BACOLOD CITY—In a tournament where the margin for error is slim, host Negros Occidental has left little to chance in the first PFF Smart Under-22 Amateur Championship here.
Negros coach John Carmona was sent to scout Arellano University in the NCAA finals last week since the majority of its players will play for Cavite in this tournament while the squad prepared by battling UFL powerhouse Ceres-La Salle FC in tuneup matches.
With a knockout format in place, Carmona, a former national team player, knows preparation could spell the difference for his side.
“We have eight strong teams here,” said Carmona, whose side ruled the tough Visayas group that included Cebu and Negros Oriental.
“Once you reach the national finals, preparation and scouting is vital.”
Negros will face one of the strongest teams from Mindanao in North Cotabato at 8 a.m. today at the start of the quarterfinal round at North Football pitch in nearby Talisay City.
Cavite takes on Bukidnon for a place in the semifinals at 3 p.m. at Panaad Sports Complex.
The other quarterfinal matches pit Davao against Camarines Norte at Panaad and Misamis Occidental versus Cordillera at North. Another draw will be held tomorrow to determine the semifinal pairings.
Cavite’s Arellano U players are fresh off an NCAA title conquest, but coach Ravelo Saluria will miss six key players from that successful run, including MVP Jumbeng Guinabang who is ineligible as he has played in the UFL.
The winner of the tournament will take home a P100,000 prize with the losing finalist receiving P75,000, said Epok Quimpo of Smart Sports.