By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Despite an unexpected transition from the juniors level to the collegiate level, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booters head coach Jake Morallo expressed confidence in helping the green-and-gold squad finish strong in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s football tourney.

“Very challenged, ‘no, it’s been how many months lang with Coach [Sergei] Duque na training and I was focusing sa juniors… Although ‘di medyo kagandahan ‘yung first round namin, alam ko na paparating kami doon—mag-go-grow pa ‘yung team (Very challenged, it’s only been months with the team’s training with Coach Duque and I was focusing on our juniors… Although our first round was not up to par, I know that we will get there, the team is still going to grow),” he shared in a post-match interview against University of the Philippines (UP) with FEU Advocate.

After falling short to lift FEU-Diliman to their consecutive 13th title in the Season 87 high school boys’ football tournament last year, Morallo is now forced to recalibrate his energy at the collegiate level.

Despite being abruptly handed out the reins to a contending team after Duque’s exit, Morallo credited his grassroot experience for a smoother transition.

"Hindi ganun kadali, pero at least kilala ko mga players, we have to adjust lang sa tactics side (It’s not that easy, but at least I know the players, we just have to adjust our tactics),” the lead tactician said.

Whatever it takes

While it was only the beginning of the year, the Tamaraws already faced a high stakes game against the UP Fighting Maroons, showing what could be an early preview of FEU’s Final Four battle at the last stretch of the competition.

After going scoreless for the entire match, Morallo still affirmed that FEU handled the maroon-and-white squads’ aggression better than expected.

"We all know naman na aggressive si UP, I think we handled naman ‘yung pagka-aggressive and physicality side nila (We all know that UP is aggressive, and I think we handled their aggression and physicality well),” he said.

With the playoffs fast approaching and the team’s placement about to be set in stone, the green-and-gold strikers are second to the Fighting Maroons in standing.

Now on the hunt for the Morayta-based squad’s 13th men’s football title, Morallo and the coaching staff are determined to do whatever it takes to secure a back-to-back title run this second round of the tourney.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)