The UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Final encapsulated Edgar Aban Jr.’s debut campaign for Far Eastern University — a journey filled with challenges but ultimately crowned with triumph.
Despite not being at peak fitness, Aban started the final match and played through to the penalty shootout.
His effort, however, faced a setback when Ateneo de Manila University goalkeeper Artuz Cezar saved his spot-kick, giving the Blue Eagles a crucial edge.
Yet, Tamaraws goalkeeper Mon Diansuy and defender Rico Braga stepped up in the decisive moments, delivering heroic performances that led FEU to the championship.
As the final whistle blew, the Tamaraws celebrated their hard-earned victory, putting to rest the obstacles they had faced both before and during the match. For Aban, it was a moment of redemption and fulfillment.
“Na-down po ako nung time na yun,” said the Season 85 Boys’ High School MVP. “Kala ko di na po ako makakalaro ng ayos dahil sa injury ko nga po. Buti nga po gumaling kaagad. Gusto ko pa kase matulungan yung team. Gusto ko po matulungan yung mga graduating seniors po dahil gusto po nila yung exit nila ay bilang champions.
“Sa ngayong season po, halata po na kaya po namin akuha yung championship dahil nakikita ko po naman sa mukha ng mga teammates ko po na gusto nila manalo pati yung mga coaches po.”
As emotions swirled, any lingering self-doubt about his contributions was erased when Aban was awarded the Season 87 Rookie of the Year title after the match.
The accolade made the victory even more special, as it coincided with a meaningful day for his family.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Na-shock po ako dahil akala ko po di ko na po makukuha yung Rookie of the Year dahil medyo di po maganda yung napakakita ko nung elimination,” he admitted.
“Nawala ako sa momentum tapos nagpapasalamat ako kay God dahil binigay niya to sa akin pati sa mga coaches at FEU community, mga teammates ko dahil chini-cheer po nila ako. Yung laro ko pong ito dini-dedicate ko po sa mama ko dahil birthday niya po ngayon.”
With the championship secured, Aban and his teammates have already set their sights on defending the crown in Season 88. He expressed hope that Spanish coach Roman Oliver will remain at the helm, guiding them as they aim to keep the title in Morayta.
For Aban, this is just the beginning of the challenge, and he is determined to rise to the occasion.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Coach Roman dahil kung wala po siya ngayon, di ko po alam kung mag-cha-champion po kami. Marami pa po kami natutunan sakanya at sana mag-extend pa po siya dahil gusto namin na marami pa kami matutunan sakanya,” he shared.
“Gawin ko pa po yung best ko para ma-defend po namin yung championship. Nagtitiwala kami kay God sa step by step at sa bawat laro.”
Winning the championship was no small feat, but the road to defending it promises to be even more arduous.
Still, with Aban’s resolve and the collective determination of the Tamaraws, their quest for back-to-back titles is well underway.
