Uniting athletes for the fourth consecutive year, young footballers are set to face off in the Kieth Absalon 7v7 Friendly Cup to celebrate the late Tamaraw’s love and passion for football on June 28 to 29 at the Masbate Centennial Sports Complex.

On June 6, 2021, Kieth lost his life due to the blast of an improvised explosive device that was allegedly planted by the New People’s Army while he was cycling in Masbate with his cousin. He was 21.

His death sparked public outrage and mourning across the country, especially within the football community.

What began as a simple tribute has evolved into a powerful movement—one that transforms every goal into a message and every match into a moment to honor a legacy that lives far beyond the pitch.

Carrying Kieth’s memory

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Kieth's younger brother, Karl, emphasized that the tournament is more than just a competition.

“Every year na po talaga may tournament for Kuya Kieth para maalala talaga po siya (Every year there is a tournament for Kuya Kieth so that he can be truly remembered),” the green-and-gold forward said.

Kieth was named UAAP boys’ football Season 78 Most Valuable Player (MVP) and was a proud member of the Philippine Youth National Team.

Turning grief into purpose

Honoring the Season 78 MVP, the tournament has been established as an annual tradition—an initiative thoughtfully created by the late athlete’s family and the local football federation in Masbate.

Beyond remembrance, the tourney also serves as a powerful platform to promote peace and justice through the sport Kieth loved.

Structured in a two-day, multi-category format, the tournament includes various divisions such as under-7 mixed, under-10, under-12, under-15, under-18 boys and girls, as well as women’s and men’s open. 

Now in its fourth year, the event is drawing teams from across the country with hopes of spreading its message even further. The Absalon family believes that the tournament will not only showcase talent but also raise awareness of football's potential to spark change in the wake of the tragedy.

“Habang tumatagal po ang tournament na ito, sana marami pa po na ma-invite galing sa iba’t ibang mga province dito sa Pilipinas, to help advocate for peace and justice po para kay Kuya and para mas makilala pa ang football (As this tournament continues, I hope that many more will be invited from different provinces here in the Philippines, to help advocate for peace and justice for my brother and to make football more widely known),” Karl explained.

For Karl, he hopes that the tourney can inspire young and aspiring players not just to excel in the sport but to dream bigger, just like his brother once did.

“I hope na mag-enjoy sila sa tournament ni Kuya and malaman nila ang history ni Kuya Kieth sa larangang football, and maka-help din ang tournament ni Kuya to pursue their dreams to become a football player (I hope they will enjoy Kuya's tournament and learn about Kuya Kieth's history in the football field, and that Kuya's tournament will also help them pursue their dreams to become a football player),” the FEU standout remarked.

More than just a sporting event, the 4th Kieth Absalon 7v7 Friendly Cup stands as a movement—a promise that the values Kieth lived for will continue to grow with every goal, every cheer, and every young player inspired by his story.

- Aine Peralta(Photos courtesy of Far Eastern University Facebook page and The UAAP)