By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

After missing out on the winner-takes-all University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men's football Final, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Selwyn Mamon highlighted the importance of staying resilient amid setbacks following his Golden Boot and Best Striker accolades. 

Sidelined due to a suspension during their do-or-die match against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Booters, Mamon was forced to sit out their Final game against University of the Philippines last February 23, where the Morayta-based squad clinched a silver finish.

Being unable to suit up in the ‘most important match of the season,’ the green-and-gold striker admitted feeling helpless watching from the sidelines. 

“It was probably the most important game of the season, and I truly wanted to be there on the pitch with my teammates. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do anything about it. I wanted to fight alongside them and give everything we had for the team,” Mamon said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

In spite of this, he chose to see the bright side and created a lesson out of the heartbreaking experience. 

“However, through that experience, I realized and learned the value of discipline and responsibility. Sometimes, growth comes out from moments that hurt the most,” the Tamaraw Booter stated.

Stronger together

Alongside the second-place finish, Mamon’s 10 goals throughout the season led him to clinch the Golden Boot and Best Striker honors.

For the Tamaraw standout, however, the accolades are not just an individual reflection of endless dedication and sacrifice—but the fruit of the team’s collective effort.

“These awards serve as proof that all the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication I’ve given since my rookie year have truly paid off. However, this is not just a personal achievement. I wholeheartedly dedicate these awards to my team. Our success is the result of our collective effort, trust, and teamwork,” the striker expressed.

With several key players set to graduate, Mamon vows to embrace a bigger role in his junior year, aiming to return stronger next season to continue the green-and-gold squad’s pursuit of redemption and excellence. 

“I’m looking forward to stepping up as one of the leaders in our team, and being more consistent in terms of my performances inside the pitch. My goal is to help the team compete at the highest level, and we will always continue, me and the boys, to create something meaningful together and make our school and those closest to us proud,” the green-and-gold athlete said.

With or without the individual honors, Mamon proves that faith and determination will prevail over adversity. Even in falling short, his experience shows that, sometimes, strength is built in moments that challenge us the most.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)