By Leiniel A. Santos

Four Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters participated in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) seniors pool training camp for the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) last July 16 to 20, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City.

Green-and-gold Booters Jetrick Fabrigas, Karl Absalon, Selwyn Mamon, and incoming rookie Theo Jico Libarnes received an invitation from the PFF.

Fabrigas and Absalon were part of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 Men’s football champions, while Mamon was added to FEU’s roster in Season 86 managing to bag a silver medal.

Meanwhile, freshman Libarnes was part of the historic 12-time champions of FEU-Diliman in the UAAP Season 86 Boys’ football tournament. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Tamaraw Booter Libarnes mentioned that he learned a lot during the training camp, not just from the coaches but also from other talented athletes.

“Sobrang ganda po ng experience ko po sa camp, [ang] dami ko po[ng] natutuhan (My experience at the camp was very good, I learned a lot). Also, being with talented players and great coaches really pushed me to improve po talaga (indeed),” he said. 

The freshman player also shared some points for improvement with their technical skills and conditioning that the coaches highlighted.

“Sa camp, natutuhan ko ang kahalagahan ng disiplina, teamwork, at tibay ng loob. Tapos the coaches really emphasized the need to refine our technical skills, grasp the tactics, and maintain peak physical condition (At camp, I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Then the coaches really emphasized the need to refine our technical skills, grasp the tactics, and maintain peak physical condition),” Libarnes added.

The skilled Tamaraws are hoping to be included in the PMNFT roster who will compete in the Merdeka Cup 2024 on September 2 to 10 in Malaysia and Kings Cup 2024 on October 7 to 15 in Thailand.

(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team Facebook page)