One of the brightest young prospects in Philippine football has decided to turn pro.
UAAP Season 82 Juniors Football Most Valuable Player Pocholo Bugas has signed with PFL club United City.
“First of all po, blessed and I feel overwhelmed. Really excited kasi madami akong matututunan sa mga magagaling na makakasama ko,” said the soft-spoken 18-year-old, who tallied 11 goals and 10 assists during the his last two years with Far Eastern University-Diliman.
With this, the Davao-native has foregone his amateur status.
But for him, the five-time UAAP champion shared that this was an important step to make in his young career, since an opportunity like this does not come often.
“Gusto ko pa maglaro doon sa seniors, pero sayang ‘yung oportunidad baka mawala,” the UAAP Season 81 Best Striker expressed.
“Mahirap kasi ‘yung football din dito, kaya tinuluyan ko na ‘yung pagiging pro.”
Besides having this kind of opportunity, the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic also had a hand in his decision.
“Hindi na po ako mag-FEU, pero undecided po ako kung saan ako mag-aaral. Tapos ngayon online ‘yung classes, mahirap po kasi mahal ‘yung tuition tapos online lang,” the Under-23 Azkals member said.
Being one of the youngest players in the storied club will definitely bring a lot of pressure to Bugas.
But for him, the years and effort he has put in the sport have made him ready for this moment.
“Excited akong makasama silang lahat, sila [Stephan] Schrock, [Pika] Minegishi, [Bienve] Maranon. Hindi ko akalain na aabot ako sa ganitong punto,” he said.
“Hindi po ako napre-pressure kasi naranasan ko na rin maglaro sa mataas na level. Confidence lang tsaka panalangin sa Panginoon.”
