The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) joins the Negros Occidental Regional Football Association (NORFA) in celebrating the Maranatha Christian College (MCC) Centurions of Bacolod City for their impressive first runner-up finish at the recently concluded SHE Cup Thailand.
Competing in the international U15 seven-a-side tournament organized by the International Football League, the MCC-Centurions showcased the depth of young Filipina talent by finishing second in their group. The Negrense squad, led by head coaches Christian Earl Bona and Joel Reyner Guay, fought valiantly throughout the tournament before bowing to the Bangkok Sports School, 1-3, in a hard-fought championship match.
PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez praised the team’s historic run and highlighted its significance for the local football ecosystem.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to the MCC-Centurions for their outstanding success and for proudly raising the Philippine flag on the international stage. This remarkable achievement stands as a powerful testament to the steady improvement and growth of grassroots football in the country, proving that our local programs are successfully nurturing top-tier talent.”
PFF echoes the sentiments of NORFA President Miggy Valmayor, who lauded the team for proving that talents from Negros and Bacolod are truly world-class.
“We are very proud of this achievement. Finishing as 1st Runner-Up in an international tournament shows that talents from Negros and Bacolod are truly world-class,” said Valmayor.
Bacolod City Mayor and MCC alumnus Greg Gasataya also congratulated his alma mater, saying, “Going head-to-head against Bangkok Sports School in the championship, you showed the world the fighting heart of a Bacolodnon and proved that our local talent belongs on the global stage.”
The silver-medal-winning squad was bannered by a core of MCC regulars, bolstered by standout regional selections:
MCC Regulars: Hannah Bagomboy, Nathalie Rhaine Andres, Yannah Marie Amar, Marinel Gonzales, Princess Myel Deferia, Cyrlizene Ibanez, Quirah Antonette Relos, Marcela Tricia Lachica, and Reinna Marcelino.
Regional Selection Standouts: Janezza Merliah Gerafil (Silay Lokal FC) and Leighton Glenilou Fuentebella (Pamplona de Pontevedra FC).
