It is safe to say that Jumong Amita’s reunion with his former school, Far Eastern University, did not go according to plan.
Amita, who represented FEU-Diliman at the high school level, was sent off with about 10 minutes remaining as his current side, the University of the Philippines, and FEU played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament on Sunday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
Visibly frustrated after referee John Mike Basinang showed him a second yellow card, the Sport Science student was left to rue his dismissal, which left the Fighting Maroons a man down at a crucial stage of the match.
Although UP managed to hold on for a point, the result made for a bittersweet reunion against his former school.
Despite the circumstances, the two-time UAAP high school champion admitted that facing his former team left him both excited and anxious.
“Exciting na medyo nakakakaba kasi doon ako galing,” said Amita.
“Kilalang-kilala ko yung mga players doon, and kilalang-kilala din nila ako, paano ako maglaro. So kanina before the game, kinakabahan ako na may konting saya kasi yun nga, iba na yung team ko.”
As for the incident that led to his dismissal, Amita viewed it as part of the physical nature of the game, especially considering that UP and FEU had met in two of the previous three championship matches, both of which were won by the Fighting Maroons.
The midfielder also highlighted the effort he and his teammates put in throughout the match as they preserved their unbeaten start to the campaign. UP has now recorded draws against FEU and Ateneo de Manila University, along with victories over the University of Santo Tomas and the University of the East.
“Para sa akin, ganun talaga yung game, medyo pisikal,” he said.
“Pero pinakita lang namin sa teammates ko kung paano kami maglaro. Yung puso namin, binigay namin. Ganun talaga, ganun talaga yung laro.”
Four matches into his collegiate career with UP, the former FEU-D standout admitted that he is still adjusting to the physicality and intensity of the collegiate game, as well as the composure required to succeed at this level.
Moving to a new school inevitably comes with an adjustment period, especially for someone like Amita, whose family has built its football legacy at FEU in the UAAP. Fortunately, UP head coach Popoy Clarino has continued to play a significant role in his development, both on and off the pitch.
“Di lang sa out of the field, tinutulungan niya ako kung paano makacatch up dito sa UP Men’s. Dami ko pa in-adjust. So far, nakuha ko pa naman yung system dito. Ako mismo lumapit talaga kay Coach Poy para makapasok sa UP,” said Amita.
Ultimately, UP and Amita could prove to be a perfect match, given their respective track records of success at the high school and collegiate levels.
Amita, however, understands that upholding the Fighting Maroons’ winning tradition comes with responsibility, and it is a challenge he is eager to embrace.
“Back-to-back champion, yun yung need namin. And need ko paghirapan na i-contribute sa team,” he said.
