ERCO faces uphill battle in PFF-Smart football tilt

CEBU, Philippines - The fighting hearts of ERCO-BRO Nationals FC will be tested to the limit as they face another trouble going into the knockout stage of the 2014-2015 Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Smart National Men's Club Championship that will start this afternoon in Manila.

Just when things seemed to be all right, ERCO sustained a crushing blowing even before it could start its campaign as at the last minute, the organizing PFF, together with the United Football League officials and some team representatives decided not to allow the four Green Archers in Chieffy Caligdong, Paolo Pascual, Ronnie Aguisanda and Reynald Villareal as well as Ian Araneta and Mark Ferrer from the Philippine Airforce to play for the team.

"Hapit ko atakiha when they said it to me. Pero unsa may among mahimo. Sakit kaayo sa among buot nga mao ni ila decision kay abi namo okay na ang tanan. Tapos nag-meeting sila, nya mao na ni nahitabo. Di pwede sila si Chieffy (Caligdong) moduwa namo because of technicalities of rules daw," said Keith Buyco, one of ERCO's team managers.

According to the tournament rules, no UFL player can play outside their mother clubs and loaning of players are not allowed. UFL players who want to  represent another club for the PFF-Smart action have to be released by their current teams and could not play until March.

"Lisod kaayo makiglalis nila. Maningkamot na lang mig amoa ani .Among ipakita kung unsay among makaya.Yet, this should be a learning experience for everyone. PFF and Smart should make their rules clear and if what exactly is the real purpose for this event. Lisod kaayo, kita sa Cebu grabe kaayo naka-abide sa ila supposed ruling, yet kinsay ni-represent sa ubang FAs? Mga UFL team and they didn't even undergo eliminations. Last year, Global represented Leyte, now Leyte is represented by Laos and didn't even have eliminations.Things like this," Buyco added.

Cebu is one of the only two non-UFL squad that made it to the final phase, which is giving them some sense of pride. The other one is M'lang of South Cotabato, the winner of group D. The rest of the contenders in the final stage are Ceres, Stallion, Laos, Global, Loyola Meralco Sparks and Kaya.

They will be split into two groups, with the top two per bracket advancing into the crossover format in the semifinals. The winners will then clash for the coveted national championship.

Without the supposed reinforcements from the UFL, the ERCO-BRO Nationals are left with only Aljohn Armamento, Garry Garciano, John Carlos Ejara, John Rey Nieves, Diomar Caruscay, Adrianne Mejaran, Robert Mamac, Rogelio Castillon Jr., John Vendell Marcellana, Dan Villarico and Jet Michael Araujo in what will surely be a tough and uphill battle for them ahead. (FREEMAN)