MANILA – After nearly two decades of strutting his wares inside the field, Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo goalkeeper Reffix “Ref” Cuaresma announced his retirement from professional football.
The retirement of the Dumaguete City native Cuaresma came just a few months after Kaya Iloilo captured the championship in the 2018 Philippines Football League Copa Paulino Alcantara.
“They say it’s still young to stop, but it’s time to give way for the younger potentials who are hungrier and faster,” Cuaresma said. “I would like to step down with pride and joy from competitive football.”
Cuaresma started his illustrious football career in 2001 with the Philippine Navy from in the United Football League. After eight years of stay in Navy, Cuaresma had a two-year break before playing for the Loyola Meralco Sparks FC from 2010-2014.
Cuaresma also had a short stop at Manila Jeepney FC in 2014 before suiting up for Stallion Laguna until 2016. He then transferred to Kaya FC (then still in Makati) when he chose to retire after winning a PFL title.
Cuaresma also had stints with the Philippine men’s football team, especially in the current era under the Azkals moniker, but he made history during the pre-Azkals days when he, at age 17, was called up for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The retirement of the 36-year-old Cuaresma left Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida with just two goal keepers in his roster in Azkals member Nathanael Ace Villanueva and Zach Banzon./PN
