Lately, there has been several complaints aired after the conduct of at least two football events in Boracay and in Davao. These football tournaments left so many unanswered questions such as why rules suddenly changed and worse, why it wasn’t explained properly to affected teams. The other big issue is how can you play in a tournament on an artificial pitch literally “patched” on the sands of Boracay?
Several days ago, a Manila -based team bought their tickets for a game in Cebu through a travel agency they found online, gave them dummy tickets. Aside from losing money, the team had to go through so many inconveniences just to make it to the away game. They actually missed the pre-game presser because the team arrived late.
These unfortunate events, however, pale in comparison to what goalkeeper Mark James Jones and several teammates had to go through, while playing for Manila Montet FC in the ongoing tournament of the Philippines Football League. Jones, who appeared in our sports program Larong Pilipino sa DZME Radyo Uno, literally cried his heart out over his disappointments and frustrations with his team.
Among the many issues that Jones emphasized was the paltry sum promised to them as daily allowance which was P200. Really? How can this be? Jones revealed, too, that there were no contracts signed before the team and players and they just relied on the what team officials and the owner said to them. Jones revealed, too, that if you can’t train or attend the games even due to injuries suffered in the previous games, the allowance will be forfeited. But this is just one of the things that they have to endure just to earn the “privilege” for playing in the country’s lone domestic league
“Maliit lang ang hinihingi namin kasi ibinibigay naman namin lahat ng makakaya namin kada laro. Pero bakit nila ipagdadamot pa sa amin ‘yun?” Jones asked.
There are several patterns in the cases mentioned above. Like how some people take advantage of good-natured individuals. They see these as opportunities to scam people who’s only fault is that they trust so easily and probably thought that no one will do them harm, in person or on online.
These should serve as red flags for players wanting to play for teams and teams wanting to play in future “football” tournaments. Please read the fine print first before signing anything. Check if the persons or company you are dealing with are inded legit and please have a contract first before committing on anything. Do not fall prey on such words as “we are prioritizing local football players”, “football is for Filipinos”, “you should be happy because we gave you the opportunity to play for us” and “pinaglaro ka na nga, gusto mo pa allowance” crap and bullshits.
The worst part for The Designated Kit Man, however, is the fact that these vultures prey on the football dreams of the players—not to mention the little kids and their supportive parents—and hang them out to dry in a single heartbeat.
My apologies to all vultures, the ones with majestic wings, but had been given the worst rep for the longest time, for comparing them to the low lifers that suck the positive vibes of the many who just want to play the beautiful game.
On a more positive note, Jeo Santisima is all set up for his bid for the WBC Asia Continental Super Featherweight belt against titleholder Arnon Yupang tomorrow at the Masbate Lagoon in Mataum in Cataingan. Santisima said he has been preparing for the fight for the last three months and he has a battle plan set against the Thai champion.
“May sorpresa po ako sa kaniya,” the unassuming Santisima said when chatting up with The Designated Kit Man yesterday after an early morning running workout around Cataingan Elementary School.
Santisima said he intends to make best of opportunity given to him by Governor Antonio Kho, who organized the Bakbakan sa Masbate 2 fightcard. Santisima’s tussle against Yupang is the headliner of the boxing event. His brother, Alex, will also go up in the ring as part of the stacked card.
“Sobrang importante sa akin ito kasi taga rito ako at lalaban ako sa harap ng mga Masbateño. Inaalay ko ito sa mga mahal ko sa buhay at sa lahat ng Masbateño. Para sa kanila ang laban na ito,” he said.
The 28-year-old native of Aroroy, which is just three hours away from Caitangan, is hoping that a win against Yupang will open bigger opportunities for him.
“Sana po makasama tayo sa ranking dahil pangarap ko talaga maging world champion. Pero malayo pa ‘yun,” he said.
He is also hoping to marry his girlfriend, Reina, next year.
A win against Yupang, however, is a step towards the right direction for Santisima’s career and personal life.
Stay safe. Stay happy peeps!
For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow his account at Twitter: @erelcabatbat