By Joshua Kyle Beltran
For the past four years, the Kieth Absalon Friendly Cup has been held in Masbate — Kieth’s hometown. Ahead of its fifth edition on June 27 to 28, the movement will grace the Far Eastern University Diliman (FEU-D) pitch for the first time, paying homage to the late Tamaraw booter and his second home.
Five years ago, on June 6, 2021, Kieth’s life was cut short by a detonation caused by a landmine planted by the New People’s Army in Masbate City. He was 21.
It was not long until his death led to calls to end violence, eventually bringing forth the Kieth Absalon Friendly Cup.
Over time, the two-day, multi-category tournament became an annual tradition with the objective of giving young footballers a stage to shine while commemorating and spreading Kieth’s story — this time, back at the green-and-gold den.
Where it all began
While the first part of this year’s tourney already took place last June 6 to 7 in Masbate, the Absalon family went the extra mile for a Manila leg to happen.
In an online interview with FEU Advocate, green-and-gold booter Karl Absalon, Kieth’s younger brother, shared how bringing the friendly cup to FEU-D, the place where Kieth practically spent almost half his life, seemed only fitting.
“FEU Diliman was a huge part of his football career, so holding the tournament here is also a way of honoring his legacy and allowing more people to celebrate his life and contributions to the sport,” he said.
He also mentioned how much of a ‘full-circle moment’ it was for the tournament to be held in Diliman.
“As his younger brother, masaya po na naabot na rin ng Manila ‘yung tournament ni Kuya (It makes me happy that Kieth’s tournament reached Manila), and it is very special na dito pa mismo sa FEU Diliman, kung saan siya nag-aral at naglaro (it takes place here in FEU-D, where he studied and played). It really feels like a full circle moment — going back to the place that shaped him. Hopefully, he will always be remembered here at FEU not just as a player, but as Kuya Kieth who gave his heart to football,” he emphasized.
Kieth started his journey as a Baby Tamaraw in 2013 when he was in sixth grade. Joining at an early age, he became the youngest player to ever be recruited under the program.
In Season 78, Kieth was crowned University Athletic Association of the Philippines boys’ football Most Valuable Player (MVP), while he bagged Best Midfielder in Seasons 79 and 81. He was also part of the under-19 national team in 2018 before joining FEU’s senior team’s starting 11 in Season 82.
As Karl put it, the green-and-gold Diliman pitch was where Kieth poured his heart into, shaping him into the player and person he was known to be.
In the name of justice
Unlike other tournaments, the friendly cup has a purpose bigger than football.
While one of its goals is to inspire aspiring athletes and celebrate Kieth’s contributions to the sport, the Absalon family hopes the tourney continues to help raise awareness and seek justice for the people whose lives were taken away from them at a young age as casualties of armed conflict — much like Kieth’s.
“Until now po, hindi pa rin namin siya [Kieth] nakakalimutan (we still haven’t forgotten), and we are still seeking justice for what happened to him. For us, it is important that people become aware that there are still innocent lives affected by violence, and many dreams are being cut short,” Karl stressed.
Just the same, they hope the Season 78 MVP’s story becomes a reminder that while achieving a country free from violence is far from reach, it is possible.
Beyond the boots
There is no doubt that the late Tamaraw was an excellent player. Kieth, however, was not like the rest.
Even with a decorated resume, Kieth’s selflessness is what stood out the most.
“Growing up, I looked up to him not only because of his achievements in football, but because of his humility, dedication, and kindness to others… for the positive impact he made,” Karl recalled.
While other athletes chase glory, Kieth chose to stay grounded, never letting success change who he always was or how he treated those around him — something Karl wants people to remember his brother for.
“Besides his football greatness, I want people to remember Kuya Kieth as a loving son, a caring brother, a good friend, and someone who always inspired others through his actions,” he shared.
Five years may have passed, but Kieth’s story continues to stand as a pillar of hope, inspiration, and an enduring pursuit of justice and peace. As his legacy is honored, the fifth Kieth Absalon Cup pays tribute to the young and innocent dreamers whose lives were cut short — their memories carried through every moment on the pitch the late Tamaraw once graced.
(Photos courtesy of Asian University Football Federation and Teddy Manansala Facebook pages)