THERE WAS NO rest for the defending champions as the San Beda Red Booters emerged victorious during the 2024 Angara Cup, 2nd Edition, held at the University of Makati (UMak) last April 20.  

Funded by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Manalang Angara, the 2024 Angara Cup is a friendly one-day tourney, with games lasting only ten minutes compared to the standard 90 minutes of football action. 

Given Angara Cup’s fast-paced mechanic, the Red Booters came off a tough start as they dropped their first match against Lipad FC. Eventually, a punishment was handed to the team, motivating the squad to win their remaining matches. 

 “It’s just really good because I think that [we] really put our heads onto the game, so we were able to focus throughout the next games, and from there it was just straight on wins,” said William Golding, a newcomer from the San Beda Red Booters who acted as the captain for the tournament. 

Earlier this year, the San Beda Red Booters snatched gold by overcoming the De Lasalle – College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Blazers during the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 99 Football Tournament last March 11.  

Interestingly, current team captain, Eldwin Escosora, stepped up as the interim coach for the games that transpired in the Angara Cup. To set out, Escosora led the Red Booters’ 25th NCAA football title in Season 99. He was also named the best defender in the tournament and obtained honors in outside tournaments, such as Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Pacquiao 3-in-1 Challengers League – Men’s U23 category. 

Before the Red Booters’ games, Golding shared how Coach Eldwin would give a small but motivating talk to the players in order to keep their heads focused on the game, saying “we’re not perfect so when a player makes a mistake, he calls it out and he tells us like how to do better.” 

The rookie baller also underscored how the team’s preparation during off-season tourneys like the Angara Cup was “less hectic” compared to the grueling training during the NCAA. “Usually when it’s NCAA season, that’s everyday training actually,” added Golding. 

Following their victory in off-season friendlies, Golding believes that off-season events like the Angara Cup will aid in the Red Booter’s title defense ahead of the NCAA’s centennial season. 

“That’s…you know, just to get more games in so to build up confidence for the players that participated in the Angara [Cup] and hopefully, [to] bring that into NCAA Season 100,” added Golding. 

(with Rolando Matther Recel)