El Clasico Deux set this weekend

CEBU, Philippines —  The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and Don Bosco Cebu will rekindle their rivalry for a worthy cause with the staging of El Clasico Deux this Saturday, June 27, at the Dynamic Herb–Borromeo Sports Complex in South Road Properties.

Last year, the two schools elevated their competition by staging the first El Clasico at Cebu City Sports Center, with Don Bosco winning all three games from the elementary to the alumni category.

This time, the preliminaries promise another lively mix of new and returning players.

In the main game, the Bosconians will showcase alumni now playing professional football, including Cebu FC’s Joseph Kei Ceniza and Tam-tam Ramos along with Maharlika’s Kenry Balobo and other seasoned talents.

The Ateneo Hearters, meanwhile, are expected to field UAAP, NCAA, and other collegiate standouts, reinforcing their bid to turn the tables.

“This year’s more exciting,” said Don Bosco’s Balobo. “The rivalry is always there. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy game. Anything can happen and anyone can win.”

Former Ateneo stars Pomeroy John Veloso, Kian Partosa, and Franz Salimbot shared the same sentiment.

“We also came prepared and we also have a lot of good players that our school has produced. We look forward to a great game,” Veloso said.

Ateneo head coach Jun Santillan saikd his side has been preparing since last month, hoping to finally secure a victory.

Ceniza, on behalf of Don Bosco’s alumni, shared that they have been training together for three weeks now.

“Last year, if I’m not mistaken, we were only able to practice for a week, with just eight to ten players showing up. This year, we’ve had two to three weeks and almost everyone is complete. So maybe this year’s Clasico is definitely going to be even better than last year,” Ceniza said.

While Ateneo may feel like the underdog, event organizer Chad Songalia dismissed the notion.

“For me, walay underdog. Ngano man? Look at what happened last year. Daghan kaayong nag-expect na sayon ra daugon, but look at what happened? Penalty shootout down to the very end, down to the last kicker. It was really a thrilling game, and expect another thrilling match,” he said.

The format remains the same, with the alumni playing three 40-minute halves.

With over 30 players fielded per side, the battle is expected to be longer and more grueling than usual.

Action begins with the elementary match at 1 p.m. followed by the high school match at 3 p.m. and capped by the alumni match at 5 p.m.

Tickets are priced at P150 inclusive of venue entrance and will be available at the Dynamic Herb ticket booth on the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit the athletics programs of both schools.