When referee Oliver Moreno blew the final whistle to end the UAAP Season 87 Boys’ High School Football Tournament final between University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University-Diliman, midfielder Joshua Moleje erupted in celebration with the rest of the Junior Golden Booters.
And who could blame them?
For over a decade, the Baby Tamaraws had dominated, winning final after final. But last Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium, the script was rewritten.
This time, it was UST’s turn to bask in the glory — one year after suffering heartbreak at the hands of the very team they had now dethroned.
“For 90 minutes, mamatay na kami sa field, kakatakbo kahit hindi na kami makahinga,” said Joshua Moleje. “Ginawa namin lahat kahit lahat kami nagka-cramps. Di kami sumuko para ma-break lang namin itong 12-peat. FEU-D is a good team, but our team deserved it more because we worked hard for this since day one.
“I know they worked hard too, but this team deserved something.”
Moleje was a revelation throughout UST’s campaign, living up to the hype that surrounded him before the season after earning a scholarship to train in Spain.
Aside from commanding the midfield, the 16-year-old standout also netted four goals for the Junior Golden Booters before the final.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
And when it mattered most, the Bacolod native delivered. In the 40th minute, he found the back of the net, setting his team on course for victory.
When the dust settled, he walked away with not just a gold medal but also the Best Midfielder award — a testament to his impact.
“I didn’t expect to score the first goal. We just played with our hearts, gave it everything, and God gave us a wonderful goal,” he said.
“All I can say is that all of the hardship, all of the exhaustion in training, and all the discipline paid off. I’m so thankful for this team because without them, I couldn’t achieve anything.”
With his UAAP journey now complete, Moleje is set to embark on the next chapter of his career. In the coming days, he will travel to Spain to train with Segunda División club Levante Unión Deportiva. Like many of his peers, the UAAP is just a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities.
For Moleje, it’s about making an impression, seizing the chance, and seeing if he can carve out a future in European football.
But no matter where the journey takes him, one goal remains clear — one day, he wants to don the Philippine national team jersey and represent his country on the international stage.
“I don’t know at this point. I’m waiting for what happens in Spain,” said Moleje when asked if he would return to help UST defend its hard-earned crown in Season 88.
“I will make my country proud. When I achieve something, I’ll go back to the Philippines. I’ll be a proud Filipino, and I’ll play for the national team.”
