The Makati FC girls are all smiles after a silver finish against one in all Portugal’s storied football programs. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Ariana Gementiza has played several tournaments abroad, even acting as skipper of the Makati FC girls squad that she knows easy methods to make sense of close defeats.
The young Filipinos fell to Sporting CP (Clube de Portugal) in penalties within the Iber Cup final over the weekend however the takeaway from the match was more essential than the silver finish of Makati FC.
“It feels amazing,” Gementiza said after Sporting edged Makati FC, 6-5, on penalties. The 2 teams were tied at 2-2 at the tip of standard time. “Each time I wear the jersey or walk out with the team, I carry our flag with me, knowing we’re making history in places where people may not even know much about Filipino football,” she added.
What the Makati FC girls are doing, nevertheless, is providing a blueprint for fulfillment for young kids who see football as a path to football glory.
“Don’t stop chasing your dreams,” the 13-year-old midfielder said. “Work hard, stay humble, and imagine that even kids from the Philippines could make it to the world stage because we’re already doing it.”
Teammate Juju Antonio Katabay echoed her sentiments and vouched for football’s popularity within the grassroots, something that officals can make the most of to construct on the bistoric appearance of the Filipinas in the ladies’s World Cup.
“I spotted how essential football is in people’s lives here and the way small it’s within the Philippines,” the 14-year-old defender said. “The parents are really passionate, they’ve their team banners and team songs, they usually’re really affected by the outcomes of the games. I also realized that if we try hard and do our greatest, we could be at the identical level as them and even beat them.”
The ladies team of Sporting CP, whose men’s team (Sporting Lisbon) is one in all Portugal’s “Big Three,” definitely had their hands full against Makati FC, who refused to buckle under pressure from greater and more expeirenced players.
“I used to be so extremely proud … [to] show them that we are able to put up a superb fight and match their talent and energy,” defender Ella Chua said after the ultimate held at Campo Escloa Salseiana in Estoril, Portugal.
“Facing Sporting CP within the IberCup final was an incredible challenge,” said striker Grace Gella. “I’m very grateful for making everyone back home proud.”
And in every tournament Makati FC makes people back home proud, it provides inspiration for wide-eyed young hopefuls. INQ
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