Bacolod Veterans in all probability will reciprocate to compete in the 3rd Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin Challenge Trophy - Xmail FC Veteran 9s Football Tournament likely to be held in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 16, 2023
 |
| Mayor Harry Benitez of Victorias |
By Tony Mariadass
The KL XMail FC delegation led by Tony Mariadass depart for Bacolod City, Philippines Sept 30 (1am) via Manila for the Masskara Football Festival and to conduct a coaching clinic for 30 kids with V. Kalimutu and Fareez Prem and Masraff Mustakim on Sept 30.
V. Kalimutu, is former national player and member of the Malaysian National who played in the 1972 Munich Olympics qualifier and qualified for the first time to make history, was the chief coach of the clinic.
The Clinic was held at La Provincia Polo Fields starting at 3pm on Sept 30 (Friday) and due to publicity we had walk-in kids and ended up with 45 kids from ages 6 to 16.
We paid our own airfare and accommodation for six nights - RM2, 000.00 each.
Only internal transport provided by the host.
This is part of CSR service of XMail FC because of our long association with them and close friends among the football circle in football.
We brought with us 30 sets of football jerseys, shorts and socks, 6 balls, jersey bags, two sets of bips and two sets of training cones used during the clinic and donated to the players and Academy managed by Juan Carmona, who is also the organising chairman of the Football Festival.
These stuff were purchased, thanks to Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, the general secretary of Asian Football Confederation’s personal contribution, Lotto Malaysia’s Tham's sponsorship of some equipment and souvenir T shirts and XMail players contribution. Thank you for your generosity and kind support for a worthy cause.
The Mayor Albee Benitez youth football tournament kicked the following morning and also signalled the one month long Masskara Festival, which makes a comeback after two years hibernation because of the Covid pandemic.
The tournament was officially kicked-off at the La Prvincia Open fields formerly Bantug Polo Fields, by Mayor Harry Benitez of Victorias on behalf of his father Benitez.
Indeed a great initiative and effort by organising chairman of the tournament Juan Carmona and organising chairman of the Maaskara Sports Festival, Jose David Daiz, and their team.
Congratulations!
Thank you to my good friend for 35 years, former Bacolod FA president, former Philippines FA President, former Bacolod Councilor and former Philippines Airports Director, Cano Tan and his son Ralphn Tan and their family for the gtrand hospitality they accorded our delegation.
His resort Camphuestohan Highland Resort is an amazing place, constantly added with new and innovative facilities for a family retreat.
XMail FC continue our long standing friendship and comradeship as Veterans now.
There was also a veteran tournament on Sunday at the Panad Stadium.
This year XMail FC did not field a team, but hope to do so next year.
Till we meet again, Selamat Poh!
The delegation of five - including former part-time sports journalist with New Straits Times from Alor Setar - made a two-day pit stop at Iloilo City - one hour by ferry from Bacolod City - to meet up with another longstanding friend from the football circle, Pabilito Araneta and a short break.
We flew back from Iloilo on Oct 5 afternoon via Manila and arrived safely in KLIA 2 past midnight on Oct 6.
Will be back next year and Bacolod Veterans FC have promised to field a team in the 3rd Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin Challenge Trophy - Xmail FC Veteran 9s Football Tournament likely to be held in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 16 to coincide with Malaysia Day.
