Sugbu Calidad Shines as Double Champion in 2nd Balamban Football League

Sugbu Calidad Football Club claimed double glory after capturing the championship titles in both the Under-9 and Under-7 categories of the recently concluded 2nd Balamban Football League.

The young booters showed resilience and sharp finishing throughout the tournament, grinding out hard-fought wins and edging past tough opponents in tightly contested matches.

In the Under-9 division, Sugbu Calidad opened with a 1–0 win over La Salle, with Liam Revilles setting up Sean de Vera for the decisive strike. Another 1–0 result followed against Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC), where Andrew Chik delivered the assist for Sean De Vera’s finish. Andrew Chik then delivered a long-range strike to edge SportsGen by the same scoreline.

The semifinal clash with Lapu-Lapu Heroes was the sternest test. After a scoreless regulation, the match went to penalties. Despite the pressure and outside remarks, Sugbu Calidad’s composure prevailed, Goalkeeper Zach Brunidor provided a steady presence in goal during the shootout, setting the tone as he saved all of the opponents’ attempts. With Burinidor’s reliability at the back, Andrew Chik and Kenshi Okada calmly converted their spot-kicks to secure a 2–0 shootout victory and a place in the final.

In the final, Sugbu Calidad once again squared off against SportsGen. Andrew Chik provided the breakthrough with the match’s lone goal, sealing a 1–0 win and the championship.

The victory, however, was the result of collective effort across the pitch. Nikola Del Rosario worked tirelessly on the wing, not only creating attacking opportunities but also blocking two attempts from the opposition on the defensive end. On defense, Draco Santarita served as the anchor of the defense, reading the game well, intercepting passes, and clearing danger whenever pressure mounted. His calm presence provided stability to the backline. Alongside him, Kaizer Tiu provided strong marking, steady cover at the back and disrupted key attacking runs, while Liam Revilles combined defensive awareness with forward support, helping balance the team’s shape throughout the match. Mahieu Butalid pushed forward to bring the ball into attacking areas, linking play between defense and attack, pushing the ball into dangerous areas, and applying pressure to keep the opposition on the back foot. Meanwhile, Reese Robins and Chassey Cabilao added composure and energy, ensuring Sugbu Calidad maintained control until the final whistle.. Every player’s effort counted, making the title-winning performance possible under the guidance of grassroot coaches Aljohn Armamento, Brient Cabarrubias, Garry Garciano and Cliff Francisco.

Sugbu Calidad's Under-7 squad also turned in an impressive campaign, dominating their bracket with unbeaten performances. Showing both skill and discipline, the young side swept through their fixtures to clinch the division crown and complete a memorable double championship for Sugbu Calidad. Leading the way were goalkeeper Jacob Daniel Manlegro, who provided stability at the back, alongside the outfield contributions of Gianluca Arnulfo Capacite, Vaughn Calix Pedrosa, Benedict Eduard Lim, Jacob Matteo Delfinado, Maia Jane Butalid, Kendrix Rosales, Banksy Maynard Estremos, Reese Maeya Robins, and Chassey Atarah Cabilao. Together, their teamwork and determination highlighted the promise of Sugbu Calidad’s next generation.