When Rehmat Sidhu tried out for a spot in the University of the Philippines’ lineup for the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, he could not have imagined the impact he would make just a few matches into his Fighting Maroons career.
Sidhu, the rookie from La Salle Green Hills of Indian descent and Canadian nationality, scored UP’s third goal against Ateneo de Manila University last Sunday. His strike gave the Fighting Maroons a two-goal cushion with an hour left to play, effectively sealing the match.
The game’s decisive moment came after Blue Eagles captain Dov Cariño’s goal in the 64th minute failed to spark a comeback.
UP held on for a hard-fought victory, boosting their points tally to 13.
“It really was a team effort,” Sidhu said. “I mean, everyone who played and everyone who contributed to the team, you know, we really gave it our all, from the goalkeeper to the forwards. It really was a team effort, and that’s what I think cushioned the win for us.
“Whenever given the opportunity, I always want to help the team whenever I can. I think, like today, we really gave it our all, and I think that’s what matters at the end of the day: when we all work together as a team.”
For Sidhu, studying at UP and playing for its men’s football team is a dream realized.
Having grown up in the Philippines since he was just three months old, he was drawn to the university’s reputation for producing some of the country’s top leaders across different fields.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
But nothing came easy.
Sidhu had to earn his spot on the team the old-fashioned way — through hard work and determination. Perhaps that made the achievement all the sweeter, surrounded by teammates and coaches ready to support him.
“It was a tryout,” the 18-year-old striker recalled. “After the tryouts, when I heard that I got the opportunity to play for the team, I never even thought twice. I knew UP was the school for me.
“I mean, as I always tell everyone who asks, UP is UP. It’s the best university in the Philippines. To be given an opportunity to play for the team, you know, I would never, ever turn that down. It was a no-brainer. Immediately, I said, I’m gonna choose UP.
“Coming into the team as a rookie, of course, at first it was nerve-wracking because it’s UP. There are a lot of high expectations for UP, but my teammates helped me settle in so quickly. They’re always ready to help, and I believe that’s what helped me power through whatever hardships I faced,” he added.
As things stand, UP leads the standings with 13 points from four wins and a draw, five points ahead of second-placer De La Salle University. This year, there is added pressure to finish in the top two due to the twice-to-beat advantage being in effect for the first time since Season 76.
Whether the Fighting Maroons can sustain their unbeaten run remains to be seen. Close calls in previous matches have offered valuable lessons as they continue their quest to reclaim the crown they last won in Season 86.
“We’re really just taking it one game at a time,” Sidhu said.
“It’s important to stay in the moment, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to work hard every single game, focusing on correcting our mistakes from every game, as well as just moving forward and learning from each match.”
