Karl Absalon paid the ultimate tribute to his late older brother Kieth by playing a pivotal role in Far Eastern University’s conquest of the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Football championship.
The Masbate native scored five goals this season, the last of which was the Tamaraws’ opener against the Ateneo Blue Eagles last Thursday, kickstarting FEU’s 4-1 victory that ended an eight-year drought.
“Very blessed kami. Very thankful ako kay Lord na binigay sa min yung championship this season. Yung championship namin para kay kuya Kieth at sa FEU community,” he said.
“Di ko naman in-expect na makaka-goal ako eh. Yung gusto ko lang is mag-champion pero wala, God’s plan talaga na maka-score ako.”
For his exploits this season, Absalon received the Rookie of the Year honor for his impressive displays in midfield.
It was a fitting reward for a newcomer who played like a veteran throughout 14 matches this season. Just like his sister Nathalie, who played for the University of Santo Tomas this season, he offered everything he achieved for their sibling.
“Yung nagtulak sa akin talaga ay si kuya kasi dinedicate ko tong championship na to para kay kuya. Itong Rookie of the Year, para din ito kay kuya,” said the former Baby Tamaraw.
“Kung hindi dahil sa pandemic, makukuha din to ni kuya.
“Kung nandito rin siya talaga, hindi kami mahihirapan na makuha to. Kaso wala na siya. Kinuha na siya… Ito talaga para sa kanya yung championship na to,” he continued.
Absalon still has four more years left to play as a Tamaraw. As one of the UAAP’s more successful programs with 10 championships, the pressure is on to win again next season.
However, winning one championship is very difficult to achieve because so many things need to go right. For now, he and his teammates will savor what they have achieved while representing FEU this season.
“Very proud kasi naging part ako ng championship (teams) ng FEU. Isa na kami sa FEU championship history na nakuha namin yung championship,” he said.
