MCC Centurions shine in Thailand football tilt

The Philippine Football Federation joined the Negros Occidental Regional Football Association in honoring the Maranatha Christian College Centurions of Bacolod City after the team finished first runner-up in the recently concluded SHE Cup Thailand.

The MCC Centurions competed in the international U15 seven-a-side tournament organized by the International Football League and turned in a strong campaign that underscored the depth of young Filipina football talent.

The Bacolod-based squad finished second in its group to advance to the championship round.

Led by head coaches Christian Earl Bona and Joel Reyner Guay, the Negrense side fought through the tournament before falling to Bangkok Sports School, 1-3, in the title match.

The runner-up finish gave the team a notable result on the international stage and added another bright spot for grassroots football development in Western Visayas and Negros.

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez said the team’s performance reflected the gains being made in the country’s youth football system.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to the MCC-Centurions for their outstanding success and for proudly raising the Philippine flag on the international stage. This remarkable achievement stands as a powerful testament to the steady improvement and growth of grassroots football in the country, proving that our local programs are successfully nurturing top-tier talent.”

The PFF also echoed the remarks of NORFA President Miggy Valmayor, who said the result showed the quality of football talent coming out of Negros and Bacolod.

“We are very proud of this achievement. Finishing as 1st Runner-Up in an international tournament shows that talents from Negros and Bacolod are truly world-class,” said Valmayor.

Bacolod City Mayor and MCC alumnus Greg Gasataya also congratulated the team and linked the result to the city’s growing sporting pride.

“Going head-to-head against Bangkok Sports School in the championship, you showed the world the fighting heart of a Bacolodnon and proved that our local talent belongs on the global stage.”

The silver medal-winning squad was anchored by a core of MCC regulars and reinforced by standout players from the region.

The MCC regulars were Hannah Bagomboy, Nathalie Rhaine Andres, Yannah Marie Amar, Marinel Gonzales, Princess Myel Deferia, Cyrlizene Ibanez, Quirah Antonette Relos, Marcela Tricia Lachica, and Reinna Marcelino.

The regional selection standouts were Janezza Merliah Gerafil of Silay Lokal FC and Leighton Glenilou Fuentebella of Pamplona de Pontevedra FC.