Darlton Digha nearly experienced a dream start to his tenure as the head coach of Adamson University last Sunday.
The 25-year-old Cameroonian directed the Soaring Falcons from the sidelines as they drew 1-1 against the Ateneo Blue Eagles last Sunday, who needed a late Kofi Agyei equalizer to earn a point.
Despite the anticlimactic finish, Digha was pleased with how his players performed. The result was another chapter in his story with Adamson, which gave him an opportunity of a lifetime.
“After last season, the sporting director (Fr. Aldrin Suan) approached me if I was interested in leading the team as a caretaker,” said the current Operations Management student who is set to graduate in July.
“I’ve had coaching stints with Kaya FC Academy and the players also were willing to work with me. I think it’s a good opportunity to give back to the community of Adamson for the past five years,” he continued.
“It’s tough but at the same time when you have players who respect you even though the age difference is not too much but they respect you and listen to what you want to do. I think there’s nothing wrong with it.”
Coming into Season 86, the Soaring Falcons are riding on the momentum they gained by winning the Ang Liga tournament.
Coincidentally, they defeated the Blue Eagles to win that crown and the hero of that final — Lorent Jayaon — scored for the Soaring Falcons last Sunday with a shot outside the box. It was as if the Ilonggo striker had become a bogey player against Ateneo.
“Maganda po sa pakiramdam na naka goal nanaman ulit kalaban sa Ateneo tulad ng paglalaro namin sa Ang Liga,” said the Barotac Nuevo native.
”Si Coach Darlton, nakasama namin nung Season 85 kaya parang naintindihan namin yung sistema na tinuturo niya. Same system naman po kami. May mga dinagdag lang.”
Adamson is perennially at the bottom of the standings. This Season 86, though, with Digha at the helm and Jayaon up front, the Soaring Falcons want to fulfill their big dreams.
It is about changing the culture of the San Marcelino school. This current edition will do its best to upset the odds against the traditional mainstays in the Final Four and final.
“Mostly the expectations for this season, I left it with the players and they want to be in the Final Four. That’s where we are at this level. We don’t just want to win games. We want to compete as well so our expectations are a little bit high and I think anything is possible in the UAAP as long as you work hard for it,” said Digha.
“Ang target namin ay makatapak ng Final Four o mas mabuti, sa championship,” said Jayaon.
