The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is sending its Under-16 Philippine Men’s National Team to Singapore to participate in the Lion City Cup 2025, following a gracious invitation from the Football Association of Singapore. This international tournament offers crucial preparation for the team ahead of the AFC Qualifiers, scheduled for November 22-30, 2025.
PFF President John Gutierrez emphasized the importance of this opportunity for the young athletes. “We believe in providing our young talents with every chance to develop and excel on the international stage,” said Gutierrez. “Participating in tournaments like the Lion City Cup is vital for their growth and exposure, preparing them for future challenges.”
The U16 team is currently undergoing an intensive training camp as they prepare to represent the country this month. Their readiness is further enhanced by the generous support from San Marino Corned Tuna and Le Minerale. The 20-man squad will face host Singapore on July 9, Hong Kong on July 11, and Cambodia on July 13, 2025. All matches will be held at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The team comprises players from various football associations across Visayas and Mindanao, as well as representatives from the PFF-NCRFA Center of Excellence and schools that competed in the UAAP juniors football league. Coach Tetsuya Tsuchida leads the U16 team as head coach, supported by assistant coaches Richard Leyble, David Asare, and Anthony Albao.
Here is the official lineup:
1. Frank Beckham Bacara (Dipolog RFA, FEU, Barca Academy)
2. John Lawrence Binalong (NCRFA, Tuloy FC)
3. Zavier Abehs Castañares (Cebu RFA, SBU, Mendiola FC)
4. Reign Lewis Deomampo (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA)
5. Leonard Joshua Garcia (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA)
6. Sho Hakamata (NCRFA, ISM, MFC)
7. Alexander Peter Benedict Lomibao (NCRFA, UST, Loyola FC)
8. Aarran Thomas Long (NCRFA, BSM, Kaya FC)
9. Sebastian Luna (Laguna FA, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, MSA)
10. Ronito Mendoza (Cebu RFA, PAREF Springdale)
11. Matteo Andeano Mercado (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA)
12. Joshua Gabriel Moleje (NORFA, UST, ADA)
13. Tobias Paulino (NCRFA, DLSZ, MSA)
14. Francis Benedict Poticano (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA)
15. Edgar Renopal, Jr. (GODARFA, FEU, Barca Academy)
16. Jaime Rafael Sandejas (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge)
17. Manuel Enrique Simpao (NCRFA, Ateneo de Manila University, MFC, Loyola FC)
18. Filbert Martin Tacardon (NCRFA, CSQC, Aspire FA)
19. Anthony Demarcus Tongson (NCRFA, DLSZ, ADA)
20. Geoffrey Marqueses, Jr. (NCRFA, DLSZ, Dragons FC)
