It’s always special to watch rookies make big plays for their teams in crucial moments, even as newcomers in the UAAP.
Czam Acuesta did just that for Far Eastern University, scoring an audacious strike in the 62nd minute to give the defending champions a 1-1 draw against University of Santo Tomas — despite FEU having only nine players on the pitch.
When the final whistle blew, Acuesta and his teammates celebrated as if they had won. And who could blame them? Earning a point in that fashion is no small feat, at any level of competition.
“I really felt happy,” said the 18-year-old midfielder.
“Even though it was a draw for us, it still felt like a win. I’ve never experienced playing with two men down, kaya I’m still happy, and I’m very grateful na I also got the man of the match award in that game.”
Failures in life can either serve as excuses or become new sources of motivation. For the Business Administration student, he chooses the latter, using setbacks to fuel his personal growth as a Tamaraw.
He was part of the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws batch that fell short of extending the school’s dominance in the boys’ high school division earlier this year, as Joshua Molero-led UST Tiger Cubs claimed the throne.
Ironically, Acuesta had his big moment against UST, but this time in the collegiate division.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Coming from a very heartbreaking loss nung Season 87 sa high school against UST, it was really challenging for me to find that momentum again kasi nga napakasakit nung talo na yun,” said Acuesta.
“However, kahit ganun man yung results that season, our seniors — never nila pinamukha sa amin na kami yung nag putol sa 12-peat. As a result, I became more eager to bounce back for this season in the men’s team.”
With one win, one draw, and one loss to start Season 88, the Tamaraws are yet to hit full stride and look far from the dominant force they were last year under Spanish mentor Roman Oliver.
The transition hasn’t been easy. Oliver’s initial successor, fellow Spaniard Sergei Duque, abruptly left the team just before the campaign began.
But from chaos comes opportunity, and Jake Morallo has now taken the helm of the Tamaraws — for at least this season.
Making the jump from the Baby Tamaraws, Morallo is a shrewd choice, considering most of FEU’s players come from its high school program.
Now reunited at the collegiate level, Acuesta is optimistic that he and Morallo can achieve the glory that eluded them last year.
“Although very challenging na biglaan pag wala niCcoach Duque, I still believe na we can do our best,” he said.
“We’re also very lucky kasi si Coach Jake magiging coach namin. Siya yung one of the best and most experienced coaches sa buong UAAP.”
