Reigning UAAP Men’s Football Champions Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws faced a couple of challenges in the second defense of their title, namely coping with a narrow pitch and finding ways to fill the absence of midfield general Arnel “Nano” Amita.
After finishing a goalless stalemate against rivals University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, FEU assistant coach Dexter Chio stated that missing Amita made it quite difficult to adjust to the McKinley Hill Stadium’s more compressed dimensions. “Malaki talagang kawalan si Nano sa gitna kasi dalawa sila ni Pao na nagdadala. Konting adjust na lang,” he said. The pitch is smaller than where the Tamaraws have been training, where they are allowed to spread the play wide into the center. Missing a central midfielder who also serves as one of their creative playmakers definitely was a huge blow.
Bugas, who is Amita’s partner-in-crime in the middle of the pitch, admitted that it was a big loss to the team, but is adamant that they still have what it takes to function as a solid unit. “Hindi naman problema kasi may mga rookies kami at bench na nag step-up and nandoon naman ‘yung performance nila,” he told.
Asked about the state of his teammate’s injury, Bugas disclosed that Amita picked up the injury from a sprinting session. The sidelined midfielder is seeking a second opinion following an earlier diagnosis indicating a lateral meniscus tear. Despite the setback, Bugas thinks his teammate is not that far off from making his way back to the field. “Baka mas maaga pa [kaysa sa akin] kasi nalalakad at saka nabebend pa niya,” he shared.
With Amita’s absence came playing time for rookies and bench players, who Bugas thinks have earned their stripes. “Nakikisama naman sila sa amin and team play nakakasabay talaga sila. Nandoon naman ‘yung performance nila,” the only player in the UAAP with an Azkals appearance assessed.
It looks like FEU will need to adjust quicker and better as they take on a hungry Ateneo de Manila University team in their next assignment on Saturday. Both teams will come into the encounter craving for a win to set the pace early this season. Learning to play without one of their key players is definitely a challenge and overcoming such may just push the Tamaraws to another level.
