Yuan Maniscan’s journey to football was anything but conventional.
Originally drawn to basketball, University of Santo Tomas midfielder found his true calling after his brother and father encouraged him to try his hand at football.
What began as a family suggestion soon became a passion, leading to a standout performance last Wednesday.
He netted a brace in UST’s commanding 5-1 victory over Claret School of Quezon City in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Football Tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Maniscan’s story is one of fate — had he not listened to the advice of his family, he might have never realized his potential on the football field.
His two goals in the 31st and 40th minutes of the match were a testament to the path he’s now fully embraced.
“Yung kuya ko nag-inspire sa akin mag-football kasi dati, gusto ko talaga mag-basketball. Pero gusto din po ng papa ko sundan yung yapak ng kuya ko so pinush ako mag-football,” said the Rizal province native.
“Pero ginusto ko naman din mag-football.”
He went on to share how his natural talent for kicking first caught his attention.
“Kasi una pa lang nakita ko malakas po ako sumipa kahit basketball pa lang ako. Then pinasipa lang ako ng coach ng kuya ko, then nakitaan nya ako ng potential. Sinabak na po ako sa training then dun nako nahasa at dun ko minahal ang football.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Currently in his senior year taking up the ABM strand, Maniscan is juggling his academics with his athletic commitments.
Despite the challenges, he remains determined to maintain a balance between the two.
He recalled a recent experience where he had to complete an important academic requirement before UST’s match against De La Salle Zobel. Still, he managed to submit it in time and still perform well on the field.
“Time management lang po sa pag-handle ng acads at paglalaro,” said the recruit from Marist School Marikina. “Last game din po galing po ako sa defense and kinaya ko naman po ipasa.
“Before ako naglaro ng La Salle, galing ako defense. Before the game, inaral ko po muna ung defense namin, talagang finocus ko po muna ung acads ko para makapasa, and then straight na’ko dumerecho dito. Buti naman nanalo kami.”
For Maniscan, securing UST’s second win of the campaign was a huge relief. He focused on executing his role on the field and scoring twice. He also noted how the Junior Golden Booters capitalized on the Red Roosters’ lack of composure to claim the three points.
“Overwhelming kase sobrang tagal ng time na maka-goal ako and ice breaker po kase siya,” he said.
“Prinessure lang po nako takaga yung Claret kase alam po namin di po nila kaya mag-play. Talagang priness po namin, and nung sinipa ko, which is naka-lucky goal lang po, then dun po tuloy-tuloy na po namin na-iskoran.”
