CLEAN SLATE: Hoping to inspire young Dabawenyas to play football

Davao’s football association president Henry Sabate has informed Edge Davao that they will display the image of Sara Bantan Eggesvik at the Tionko football field. His general secretary Jason Goyonan will make sure this is done.

What for?

This is to honor her participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Why?

Henry hopes that this will inspire young Dabawenyas to take football as a sport.

You see, Henry and other Filipino football officials flew to New Zealand to witness the Philippine women’s team play in the prestigious tournament. And he shared his joy to us saying that he cannot contain his happiness upon hearing the singing of our national anthem. Lami gyud daw kaayo ang feeling.

It should be because after 116 years of the Philippine Football Federation, herstory was made with our Filipinas qualifying to the FIFA World Cup.

I requested Henry to, if possible, have a photo with Sara, whose mother is originally from Barangay Bunawan and good neighbors of my uncle Edwin Billacura Sempio and wife auntie Marivic. And what made it better, Sara’s mom, Letty is a classmate of dear friend Dr. Bong Presbitero of the Davao City Health Office during their undergrad years at the Immaculate Conception College (UIC na ron). Small world indeed.

Sara, whether she likes it or not, has actually become now a football celebrity in the Davao football community after she made that memorable assist to Sarina Bolden who scored the winning goal against host New Zealand.

Henry hopes that with her image prominently displayed, this will keep on reminding young Dabawenyas that they can be like Sara, aside from wanting to become like the other Sara that we have, the former mayor and now vice president of our republic.

Thanks for doing this Henry and we hope that there will be a surge of girl participation in football at the Tionko field in the coming days.

On the other hand, coach and UP Mindanao Professor Erwin Protacio said the performance of the Filipinas is “very inspirational and encouraging.”

“The outcome should show more interest, more players, and more tournaments all over the country. Congratulations to the players, coaches, the staff, and the manager for bringing Philippine women’s football to this level,” said coach Erwin.

During the many years as City Councilor, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Mabel Sunga-Acosta has been supporting women’s football development with the conduct of the yearly Acosta Women’s Football Cup.

The women’s football program has been in place for years and with Sara Bantan Eggisvik coming into the limelight, this will for sure give a boost to the popularity of the sport.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we all love basketball but it is about time to put some big, big support to women’s soccer development in Davao.

Don’t you agree Davao City sports development OIC Mikey Aportadera?

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For comments, email mpb_sports@yahoo.com.