File
FC Meralco Manila begins life without Phil and James Younghusband on Wednesday when it squares off with Global Cebu in the Philippines Football League at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Sparks, who are second behind leader Kaya Makati (27 points) due to an inferior goal difference, can claim top spot with a victory over a Global side that is in fourth spot with 22 points.
But while Global will be under the microscope in anticipation of the PFL debut of Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez, who was signed just this week, the spotlight will be on the Sparks as they try to cope with the departure of the Younghusband brothers who are moving to the Davao Aguilas on a five-year deal.
Phil and James spent the last six seasons playing for Meralco – a club they joined when it was still known as the Loyola Meralco Sparks in 2011.
Make no mistake about it, the Sparks management did everything within their powers to keep the brothers in the club.
“We really wanted them to stay but just didn’t have the financial muscle to match the offer (of Davao),” said an official of the club.
“Wanting them more (to stay) is not only based on the tangible stuff but also the intangible. The brothers knew they could always retire with Meralco and that was part of the reason they stayed this long.”
The club official confirmed that they offered the Younghusband brothers, who have been with the club since 2011, a two-year deal “so that we can negotiate again after two years since we could not match what Davao was offering today.”
The financial details of the Younghusband deal remain undisclosed, although the same club official confirmed that an agreement between the two clubs was reached last Friday.
The Younghusband brothers still had a month left in their contract, but got their release from the Sparks after playing in the 3-2 win over the Aguilas in Tagum City last Saturday.
FC Meralco Manila vice chairman Randy Roxas, in his pre-match message for the players, believes the Sparks can rise to the challenge without the brothers.
“We are still in a good position to challenge for the inaugural PFL title,” said Roxas.
“The absence of the boys (Phil and James) will certainly make a dent on our campaign but it can also be viewed by all of you as an opportunity to step up and chart your own destiny with this club and for Philippine football.”
The Sparks gave the Younghusband brothers a traditional guard of honor before the match against the Aguilas.
“They certainly deserve it for what they have done for the club and for their immense contribution to the growth of football in the country,” said Roxas. “We wish them both the very best in this new adventure.”