My thoughts on what happened to my favorite team..
I heard about it months ago, no confirmations, no denials, a
random free floating idea that I did not indulge.
I heard the same rumor again weeks ago, a vague uncertainty [redundant
eh?], then the boys were asked to renew their contracts, they were somehow
reassured that the rumor is untrue.
Then I got a startling message about the story in Bleachers' Brew. The club was sold and the biggest
question came from the boys about the security of their position. New team
owner, new management, new coaching staff and yes, a possible new line up. It
did not take overnight to get confirmation of a new line up. A handful of the
original line up is supposedly to be retained with the fate of the other half
to be known soon.
I'm a noob football fan, and most of the stuff I know comes from
within the team. I followed the team since they set foot here in Bacolod as
part of their PFF Smart Club Championship preparation. Apart from the team
composition was mainly from the Ceres-NOFA team, the coaching staff led by
Coach Nonoy Fegidero, the story behind the team and how it came to be Pachanga
FC was something that kept me interested and supportive of the team. Their run
during the UFL Cup was very impressive, although their defeat against Global FC
left me, and my friends, depressed for a week, but their impeccable finish last
season wiped those tears dry and turned them into smiles with their
near-perfect record. Something that, as a fan, I was truly very proud of.
I came to watch the games live twice, and they never failed to
amaze me inside and outside the pitch. The team made me wonder how they jelled
and matched up so well despite the diversity of the team.
And they treated their followers well. We always got a “thank
you” every time we congratulated them for a well fought battle. They welcomed
us at their place for post-game chatting and celebration. They made the fans
feel as if we were a part of the team. There weren’t many of us but we made
noise for Pachanga FC, in the stands and social media.
With the team's promotion to Division One, everyone was excited
how they would match up with the top teams. There's one game which I personally
would like to witness, following this statement posted somewhere after Pachanga
was eliminated from the cup, "We didn't just eliminate Pachanga FC from
the UFL Cup, we also killed their dream in the UFL league. Pachanga never beat
us, they never did, and they will never will" ]. I would also
like to see how they will match up with Stallion FC, they met in Iloilo for the
PFF Smart Club Tournament last year, another time at the Cup since they were
"group of death" with Global FC, and Cebu Queen City United, and that
game will be the Visayas Regional Derby.
Yet, I might not see these games the way I have imagined them to
be anymore. With Pachanga FC's rebirth to Pachanga Diliman FC, the boys who
battled these teams before might not we there anymore, and for a fan who
followed the ups and downs of a starting team, it has an anhedonic effect. Takes
the fun out of being a fan.
As an overzealous fan, I cannot empathize enough to the
sentiments of the former team members, coaching staff and management. I have
met them a couple of times, and I can tell how hard they push themselves to the
limit hoping to continue the excellent run of the team towards the short term
goal, which was promotion to division one. They all went out of their way to
make it happen for the team and those who support the team. The news was bad
enough, and the timing, it's heartbreaking. The team would understand the
family decision, most of them are working for their families too, but it might
have been less shocking if the management, the staff and team members were briefed
of the direction the club was going. I'm no management guru or something, just someone
who tries her best at work. It is difficult to write this. It may just come out
as a transliteration of my hiligaynon thoughts. Boys, I truly feel for you. All
the hard work done, then another team benefits from it. No bueno.
Yet, there's still hope, as they say, it's not over until it's
over. You are all good players, and there will always be a spot for you in a
team, Coach Nonoy, Coach Marjo, Coach Alvin and Coach Kim did not
train you just to succumb with one test. What doesn't kill you makes you
stronger mates, you are a Red Phoenix, you will rise again!
To the players who retained their spots, make your teammates
proud, continue to showcase what Pachanga FC honed you to be, the team may not
be complete, but don't let the Phoenix in you die in vain. There might just be
7 [or 6, could be less] Red Phoenix left to continue playing for the name Pachanga FC I hope
the team spirit never fades.
--- Rai M.
Hoping they rise again soon as Red Phoenix FC. Come on Coach Nonoy!
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