Report by Leean Margarette Magat | TSU Footbal Team
Tarlac State University (TSU) Football Team clinches Bronze Medal with the CASS Football reps at the Ayta Football Cup for a Cause, organized by CIFA CUP on December 01, 2024, at The Villages Clark, Clark Freeport Pampanga.
Football Players John Benjo Bautista, Lhenard Basilio and Bryant Santiago of CASS have been a part of the University's roster and represented TSU in multiple sports leagues.
TSU Football Team was split in two teams and competed in 7-a-side match-up against Teams from Malaysia, Tarlac, and Pampanga.
Team A from TSU Football, consisting of Santiago and athletes from other colleges, defeated the group from Sabah, Malaysia in the battle for Bronze, snatching up the medal through a 1-0 goal nearing the end of the match.
Moreover, TSU Team B, comprised of Bautista and other college reps, fought valiantly in their battle for third but fell short in a match, showcasing the team’s competitive spirit despite the loss.
In an interview following the victory, TSU Football Team Coach, Associate Professor Jazzel Llaneli Manabat highlights the squad’s preceding tournaments as a motivation in exhibiting improvements with their games.
“Pero ang goal lagi ng team collectively is to do better in every game we participate in. [...] The team has its eyes fixed on getting that medal this time by applying the lessons the players learned from the losses and the training sessions we held.” Coach and Assoc. Prof. Jazzel Manabat said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Lhenard Basilio expressed immense pride in the team’s performance.
"Bilang isang coach, siguro ang masasabi ko pagkapanalo nila is napakalaking tagumpay para sa buong TSU Football Team [...] Nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa buong TSU Football Team dahil nakita namin nila Ma'am Jazzel at Sir Tan yung bawat isa sakanila, kung paano nakipag-laban at nag sakrispisyo, maiuwi lang namin ang third place." Basillo said.
Basilio was appointed as the Assistant Coach due to an ailing injury, also extends his gratitude to the players for the effort they exerted in achieving the victory.
The team has been preparing rigorously since August, with weekly Sunday training sessions through the guidance of Coach Gell Villanueva, to keep the players in top form for the competition. The sessions are composed of scrimmages that aim to create team chemistry, build muscle memory, and strengthen the team’s skills.
Furthermore, the coaches emphasized that there were areas for growth, particularly in communication and endurance.
“To address this, we will engage in more extensive and intensive training sessions and join more tournaments for exposure and adjustments.” Coach, Assoc. Prof. Jazz Manabat shared.
The recently held league serves as an exposure and added preparation for the roster as they butter-up for the Upcoming State Universities and Colleges III Olympics 2025.
CIFA Cup organized the said league as a Donation Drive for the Football Team of Sitio Target Ayta of Pampanga.
TSU Football Team’s bronze medal victory adds to their legacy while reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and community support.
As they continue to prepare for future challenges, the team's commitment to excellence, teamwork, and perseverance remains at the heart of their journey.
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