Cebuano Azkal Pascual to play against ex-coach, team Cebu Queen City

AFTER so many years of having played under the tutelage of coach Mario Ceniza, Cebuano Azkal Paolo Pascual is excited about playing against the team of his former coach as the Cebu Queen City United (CQCU) faces Global FC this 3 pm at the Alabang Country Club A in the United Football Cup 2011-2012 of the United Football League (UFL).

Pascual started his career under Ceniza as a grade 1 student of the Paref Springdale. It was also Ceniza who suggested that he try out being a goalkeeper because as a young boy, Pascual was on the chubby side. His first choice was to be a striker.

“I have a lot of respect for him (Ceniza) but I’m actually excited and I can’t wait for it,” said Pascual, whose life changed after he made it as an Azkal last year and was soon offered a contract by Global FC.

The Azkals goalkeeper, however, admitted that there is some part of him that wishes to be playing for Cebu.

“Hopefully there will come a time that I will get to play for Cebu but for now I am with Global FC,” said Pascual, who added that he has no regrets being with the team as it has a good management and he is very much well taken cared of.

Ceniza, for his part, will not only be going up against his former player but he will also go up against his former coach too, Graeme Mackinnon, who is Global FC’s new coach.

Although an Australian, Mackinnon had earned the tag as Cebu’s coaching legend having coached the Cebu Sports Hall of Fame 2011 special awardee M. Luillier-Cebu Football Team of 1988, the last Cebuano team to have won a national championship; and the popular Carmen football team.

“I hope for them the best but may the best team win,” Ceniza said of Global FC.

Aside from Pascual, Global FC has another Azkal in its lineup in Angel Guirado. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON