MANILA – Far Eastern University (FEU) Baby Tamaraws standout Pocholo Bugas has foregone his amateur status after signing up with the United City Football Club in the Philippines Football League.
The UAAP Season 82 Juniors Football MVP awardee said he decided to turn professional as the offer from the United City FC was just too hard to pass up.
“First of all po, blessed and I feel overwhelmed. Really excited kasi madami akong matututunan sa mga magagaling na makakasama ko,” the 18-year-old Bugas told Tiebreaker Times.
“Gusto ko pa maglaro doon sa (UAAP) seniors pero sayang ‘yung oportunidad baka mawala,” he added. “Mahirap kasi ‘yung football din dito kaya tinuluyan ko na ‘yung pagiging pro.”
Bugas, who was a member of the Philippine U-23 Azkals, said he does not feel pressured and is in fact excited as he will be able to play with veterans like Stephan Schröck, Hikaru Minegishi and Bienvenido Marañón.
“Excited akong makasama silang lahat. Hindi ko akalain na aabot ako sa ganitong punto,” he said. “Hindi po ako napre-pressure kasi naranasan ko na rin maglaro sa mataas na level. Confidence lang tsaka panalangin sa Panginoon.”
Aside from Davao-native Bugas, the United City FC has also locked in the services of former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles booter Jordan Jarvis.
“At UCFC, we are committed to further develop our local talents in the country and to provide them the best possible exposure to professional football on the national and the Asian level,” said United City FC founder Eric Gottschalk./PN
