#SportsBites: Far Eastern University (FEU) Diliman alum Pocholo Bugas joined the Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) in its recent Tri-Nation Friendlies outing, June 3 and June 9, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila City.
Currently playing for HNK Vukovar in Croatia, where he developed his professional career, the Davao de Oro native answered the national team call-up.
The FEU Diliman alumnus has continued to make strides in the sport, earning opportunities to compete at the national level.
Opening the Tri-Nation Friendlies against Guam last June 3, Bugas started at forward as part of head coach Carles Cuadrat’s selection of new faces for the upcoming 2026 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Hyundai Cup.
In the recent game against Myanmar, Bugas registered two assists in the closing minutes to help secure the victory, marking his second strong outing after an equally impressive performance against Guam.
The PMNFT concluded the Tri-Nation Friendlies with a flawless run, posting identical 5-1 victories against both countries.
Following this successful campaign, Philippines now turns its attention to the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup campaign, July 28, with the venue still to be announced.
- Fibby Ann Mercado
(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)