Ceres, Global chase football history

BACOLOD CITY—It doesn’t get any bigger than this for Philippine club football.

Two clubs that have won every major trophy in the country the past three years—Ceres Negros and Global Cebu—seek to make history on Saturday when they dispute the first Philippines Football League title at 6 p.m. at Panaad Stadium here.

The Busmen are looking to end an incredible year with another trophy after winning the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asean zonal championship last September.

But with a squad decimated by injuries and suspensions, coach Risto Vidakovic’s side face a difficult task of overcoming a Global side that stunned top seed Meralco Manila in the semifinals last weekend.

“We don’t have the pressure, rather we have the pleasure of playing here in Bacolod,” said Ceres defender Martin Steuble. “We’re confident. It’s one game and for 90 minutes, we just have to do our best.”

Ceres’ strength lies in its depth as the Busmen have survived a gruelling season and a tough AFC Cup campaign to put themselves in a position to win their first domestic trophy since ruling the United Football League in 2015.

“Throughout the season, our team has suffered injuries, but the team has delivered good results,” said Steuble.

Ceres and Global split their four meetings this season.

The match coincides with the Philippine Football Federation Congress in the city, where PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta will present his plans and projects for 2018.