EIGHT teams from different parts of the country, including a guest team from Malaysia, are set to compete in the NOFA MassKara 9-A-Side Festival to be held at the Santa Maria Football Field in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Seeing action for Group A are Iloilo FC, Erco Cebu FC, Real Negrense FC, and Bacolod United, while Group B has BG Products Manila, Dynamic Builders FC, Bacchus FC, and X Mail Malay FC of Malaysia.
This event is for veteran football players aged 40 and above (born 1978) with two players born 1983, according to tournament organizer Dave Javellana.
The competition will have a single-round elimination, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the semifinal round, while the rest of the teams will play for the ranking. All matches will be played with 15 minutes each half.
The match commissioner has the prerogative to decide on matters directly affecting the tournament. In the absence of the match commissioner, the assistant match commissioner or referee assessor will make the decision.
All matters not covered by the tournament rules will be dealt with accordingly based on the 2010/2011 FIFA Rules and Disciplinary Code.
“This tournament provides avenue for veteran players to enjoy the sport as they reunite with their former teammates,” Javellana said. “Likewise, this will further develop camaraderie and establish friendship among the participants, as well as strengthen our partnership with neighboring Asian countries.”
PETALCORIN ‘IN BEST SHAPE’
Randy Petalcorin is happy and confident as he grinds in his training camp to prepare for his clash with Felix Alvarado for the IBF World light flyweight title on Oct. 29 at Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila.
In an interview with Buzzer Beater, the current IBF Pan-Pacific light flyweight champion said he believes he can deliver the job against Alvarado.
“I am in the best shape so far. I have sacrificed a lot and gave everything for this fight,” said Petalcorin, who currently trains at the Sanman Gym in General Santos City.
“Alvarado is a world-class fighter, but fights are won in the gym and I am confident I am 100-percent ready,” he added. “On Oct. 29, I will get that world title belt and become a world champion once again.”
As part of his preparation, Petalcorin trains under the watchful eyes of coach Fernando Lumacad and assistant coaches Jonathan Baat and Marquil Salvana, and has sparred with four boxers for a total of 110 rounds.
“I am so hungry for a world title belt,” said the Filipino fighter. “I will treat this fight as a matter of life and death. I will go for the win.”
The bout between Petalcorin (28 wins, two losses, one draw, with 22 knockouts) and Alvarado (33 wins, two losses, with 29 knockouts) is being promoted by MP Promotions, Sanman Promotions, Peter Maniatis Events, and ESPN 5. The fight will be televised live on ESPN 5 from 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m./PN
