MindanaoToday.com | JB Borlongan’s dream comes true in Malaysia
By: Jack Biantan
CAGAYAN DE ORO – CAGAYAN de Oro City’s pride Jeremiah Borlongan finally realized his dream of playing for the Philippine National Men’s Football Team, when he was sent in by coach Nonoy Fegidero in the match against host Malaysia in the Merdeka Cup football tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The 25-year-old University of the Philippines Kicking Maroon Alumnus, was only sent in by coach Nonoy in the 81st minute while he tried to look for a solution in cutting their 1-2 disadvantage over Malaysia.
JB as what his family and friends call him, was impressive in his less than 10 minutes of debut for the long time PNMFT hopeful.
JB has played for the country in South East Asian Games (SEAG) twice but that was for the U23 team. This time it was for the big boys against bigger opponents.
And how did JB fare against the bigger boys? He was as usual relentless at the right wing. He was a pesky ‘little’ thorn on the left side of the Malaysia defense. His crosses were amazing and many times they almost ended at the back of the next.
He is a unique player. He is homegrown and has slowly and surely carved out a name for himself in Philippine football. JB is cat quick and fast as the Mercedes engine of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in F1 racing.
JB is also unique and difficult to defend as he runs and makes his job at the right side but kicks with his left foot. He is a regular with the Cebu Football Club and now hopefully under the wings of Nonoy Fegidero, he will also be a regular with the PNMFT.
Aside from JB, the PNMFT in the Mardeka Cup in the long run should be the main team the PFF would be sending in every tournaments here or abroad.
This is young team with an age average of 25. Only three of the lads are in their 30’s, team captain Neil Etheridge, Patrick Deyto, Patrick Reichelt and Filipino-Swede Jesper Fernando Nyholm.
The youngest of the group is 20-year old Filipino Belgian Dylan Elizalde Demuynck who plays for the Belgian Club Zulte Waregem.
The long time reliable central defender Amani Aguinaldo remains as the pillar of their defense with 60 caps under his name.
Amani, now 28 years old, remains strong and solid at the back. He plays for Rayong FC in the Thai League but is always ready to help the Philippines in any call up.
But of course who can forget Jarvey Gayoso and Sandro Reyes. They are now considered as the new faces of the PNMFT.
They are not only good looking but they have the talents to lead the Filipinos to the next level. Gayoso ply his wares at Phnom Penh Crown Club in the football crazy Cambodia while Reyes plays for German Club FC Gutersloth.
And who would forget the strong and shifty Tabinas brothers, Jefferson and Paul who both play defenders.
The younger Paul Tabinas plays for the Croatian Club Vukuvar while the Jefferson for Thai club Burinam United. Jefferson’s left footed strike in the 27th minute gave PMNFT an early lead against Malaysia.
Most of these players play for different clubs abroad and they come to the Philippines for brief training and then sent to their battle fields at home or abroad. Of the 22 players now playing for the PNMFT, only two JB Borlongan, and Uriel Dalapo play in the local league, the Philippine Football League (PFL).
Borlongan plays for Cebu Football Club while Dalapo for the Davao Aguilas. It would be easier for the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) if majority of our players play for the PFL. The only problem is that PFL teams could not afford most of these players that is why they play for more money abroad.
With his outstanding performance in his debut JB Borlongan, has opened the eyes of scouts and wealthy clubs from abroad. We don’t know how long will he stay with the Cebu Football Club, but I am sure his presence in the PNMFT would be longer, unless coach Nonoy will find a Filipino Messi. (jackbiantantambok@gmail.com)
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