San Beda University won its 25th crown in the NCAA football tournament against the Benilde Blazers on Monday, March 11, 2024 at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Red Booters Amir Muaimin Aningalan from Zamboanga City found the back of the net in the injury time to deliver the championship clinching goal for the Mendiola-based squad.
“Para sa akin maganda yung pinakita ng mga teammate ko and dahil sa kanila kaya ako naka-score,” Aningalan told GMA Regional TV News.
According to Aningalan, their hard work and sacrifice of not going home to their respective provinces in the preseason paid off.
“Last game na ito, isang taon kami naghanda para dito kaya yung iba hindi na umuwi ng kani-kanilang probinsya, isang taon kaming nagtiis na mag-stay sa san beda, kaya ito na yung gift namin para sa sarili namin," he said.
Meanwhile, San Beda football coach Nhiboy Pedimonte was all smiles despite being limited to watching his team from the stands after being thrown out from their last match in the second round against Benilde.
“Sobrang happy kami na na-deliver ng team, it’s just a bonus nung hardwork ng mga bata, ayaw talaga nila magpatalo… yun yung spirit na meron na pinakagusto ko sa team na ito, they refused to give up,” Pedimonte said.
Despite being at the stand, Pedimonte could still be seen giving instructions to his team.
“Yung game kasi nag-dedemand siya ng ganong instructions eh, minsan kasi nadadala yung mga bata sa emotions nila pero syempre kailangan mag-intervene ng mga coaches, ginawa ko lang din yung role ko.”
A 2,550 crowd attendance was recorded during the game with some personalities present at the stadium, including Philippine football legend Elmer “Lacknet” Bedia and members of the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball champions, the San Beda Red Lions, led by coach Yuri Escueta.