CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The first-ever grassroots tournament for kids in the island, the Mindanao Football Cup 2019, is expected to be a big success story after 12 teams confirmed their participation in the event that will be held at the Tionko field in Davao City on October 22-25.
The organizer said Thursday that the 12 teams have already submitted their PHP5,000 returnable bond to ensure their participation.
The teams are from Bukidnon FA, Butuan-Agusan del Norte FA, Iligan-Lanao del Norte-Lanao del Sur FA, Maguindanao-Cotabato City FA, Mount Apo RFA, Sultan Kudarat FA, Surigao del Norte FA, Dinagat Islands RFA, and Zamboanga del Norte-Dipolog FA.
Host Davao City will field two teams while a team from Cagayan de Oro City will also compete.
Teams from Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, the Golden Davao RFA, South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos RFA, Zamboanga Basilan Sulu Tawi-Tawi RFA, and Zamboanga del Sur-Pagadian RFA have also signified their intention to join and may submit their bonds this week.
The tournament is organized by Negros Occidental Football Association (NOFA) president Ricky Yanson Jr. and the Davao City FA.
Teams are expected to be in Davao City on October 22 for the screening of the players' credentials in the afternoon.
The opening ceremony and the elimination round will be held on the morning of October 23 until the morning of October 24. The quarterfinal round has been set afternoon of October 24.
The semis and championship matches, and the awarding ceremony will be on October 25. Teams are expected to leave for home the next day.
The Mindanao Football Cup is an offshoot of the annual NOFA Cup held at the Sta. Maria field in Talisay, Negros Occidental.
The NOFA Cup was Yanson’s initiative to discover young and talented footballers from all over the country. Top players were then selected to form the NOFA team that represented the country in China. (PNA)
