Air Force set for return to competitive club football

c/o PAF

When the Philippines Football League opens its campaign on Saturday, one of the games scheduled will feature the comeback of a historic club onto the competitive scene.

At 530pm, Philippine Air Force FC kicks off against Mendiola FC 1991 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

A purely homegrown unit devoid of foreigners, the Airmen will rely on a combination of experienced veterans and up-and-coming youngsters, coached by Joebel Bermejo.

Serving as the team captain is Barotac Nuevo native Antonio Albor, alongside fellow veterans Romeo Martinez, Glenn Bulaquina, Rodolfo Bebanco, Jake Hugo, Jomar Lestingio, and Geve Roy Cadiz.

Adding fresh blood to the side are a few alumni of the University of Santo Tomas in Zaldy Abraham, Darwin Busmion, and Karl Bronda.

Most of the team are enlisted personnel, but they have added a few civilians with the vision that they would eventually join the Air Force. Among them are the Delariarte brothers: Jed who plays up front, and Jan, who plies his trade in the midfield. Jev Estampador provides an imposing presence, while youth is served with the likes of Kernelle John Velasco, Kent Guevarra, Eric Mauring, and Patrick Salenga.

Bermejo believes that Air Force has something to prove in this upcoming competition.

The former Philippine international shares, "Bilang isa sa mga all-Filipino teams sa liga, malaking bagay para sa amin na maipamalas ang kakayahan namin at mapatunayan ang kalidad ng mga player na nagmula sa grassroots."

He adds, "Ito kasi ang isa sa mga paraan para masukat ang galing ng Pinoy sa larangan ng football, at ipakita namin na kaya natin makipagsabayan sa mundo."

To prepare for their return, the squad claimed the Jerry Treñas Dinagyang Cup back in January, and also finished runners-up in a tournament featuring the Armed Forces sides and other government agencies back in October.

After playing Mendiola, Air Force is slated to face these teams for the rest of the month at Rizal Memorial: One Taguig FC (13), United City (21), and Tuloy FC (28).

Plans are in place for the team to travel to Iloilo next month for a true road matchup against Kaya FC-Iloilo.

Helping boost the team is major sponsor Elan Vita Diagnostic Solutions of Engr. Keith Buyco, while also being fully supported by Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lieutenant General Stephen P. Parreño.

Acting as team manager is Brigadier General Dennis Estrella and assisted by Colonel Erwin G. Solomon, with Lieutenant Colonel Neil P. Dela Cruz serving as the officer-in-charge.