CERES Negros FC officially presented its roster on Tuesday and kicked off of their quest for supremacy in the 2017 Asian Football Confederation Cup Group G starting with TNT Hanoi or SHB Da Nang from Vietnam on February 21 in the latter’s arena.
Club director Ali Go said this match will be a tough game for them.
“Undeniably, Vietnam teams are tough sides given that they have stronger leagues. But we are hoping to come out strong and win games,” he added.
Go added that while they lost the services of prized player Stephan Schrock, they have hired players to fill the Fil-German’s shoes.
Coach Risto Vidacovic said he can’t tell how strong the Ceres FC since the team has yet to play a match.
“We will know the moment the tournament commenced,” he added.
Newly-acquired Fil-foreign players Simone Rota, Jason de Jong, Jim Munoz, Joshua Grommen, OJ Porteria, and Roland Muller assured the Ceres Negros FC fans that they will do their best to help the team reach their goals.
Foreign re-enforcements Spanish Fernando Ortega and Manuel Lopez and Japanese Kota Kawase are also expected to deliver the stuff needed by the team this season.
Another late addition to the team is Fil-Australian Iain Ramsay whom Go confirmed signing up late Monday evening.
“He is arriving Friday and will join us in Manila before we leave for Singapore,” he added.
Ceres FC will host their counterparts beginning March 7, against Tampines Rovers or Geylang International from Singapore.
Ceres FC and Rovers have met each other four times last year – twice each in the AFC Cup group stage and in the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup.
The team is scheduled to play against Felda United from Malaysia on March 15 followed by the April 19 game against TNT Hanoi or SHB Da Nang from Vietnam.
Ceres FC chairman Leo Rey Yanson reiterated his appeal to Negrense football fans for support their campaign to bring pride and honor to Negros Occidental and the country. (HGD)