Former FC Barcelona youth coach and current Philippine Football Federation (PFF) head of talent scouting, Roman Oliver, was in attendance during the NCAA Men’s Football Final Four matches on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the University of Makati Football Stadium.

In the first match, San Beda University pounced on Mapúa University, 6-0, to make their way back to the finals and defend their title.

On the other hand, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde survived a gritty Emilio Aguinaldo College side, 3-1, in an intense battle where two players were sent off.

“I saw some good players in the first match and also in the second match. The difference between the level of the players is high so I see some players with potential to be in the national team,” Oliver said to GMA Regional TV and Synergy while watching the semi-final match-up.

The UEFA A-licensed coach was high on San Beda’s duo of Sylver Pormento and Nicolai Abalos who scored a combined three goals in their victory.

“I’m impressed especially in the first match. I think Pormento’s name, the number 7, and I like number 10, Abalos, left-footed set pieces, high quality with his left foot, smart playmaking,” he added.

Pormento has worn national team colors in the 2024 ASEAN U19 Boys’ Championship in Surabaya, Indonesia.

The other players Oliver believes have the potential to be in the national team are Amir Aningalan, the San Beda forward from Zamboanga City who scored the championship clinching goal last season and Kirk See, the Season 99 golden boot awardee.

Benilde’s team captain and midfielder from Cebu, Greg Naquines, also left a good impression on Oliver.

“Left footed also, nice shot, midfielder, smart player, very strong, interesting player,” Oliver said.

Luckily, Benilde’s back-up goalkeeper Javee Taglee, who made Coach Marlon Maro’s starting eleven in their crucial match, saved a penalty kick while Oliver was in the stands scouting.

“He is showing a lot of skills, so interesting player to follow,” Oliver said.

NCAA has been home to homegrown shot-stoppers who made waves in the professional ranks and even represented the country in the youth ranks. Some of them were EAC’s Jun Badelic, Benilde’s Ron Bayan, and San Beda’s Kenry Balobo.

Leading this season’s golden boot race with five goals, as of this writing, is Josh Asignar who also made a good account for Oliver.

“I gave him a good report. I just saw him five minutes… he showed speed, he showed dribbling, he showed he is direct… he missed a big chance but you can see it's not only about missing the chance… the way he has the chance because of his speed, so, to miss the chance means you have it,” Oliver said.

Asignar came in as a substitute for the Blazing Strikers in the 76th minute and almost scored a goal just seconds after coming in.

Another player from the EAC Generals made an impression on Oliver.

“I’m impressed about this number 19, Magalzo… he is showing a lot of dribbling, skillful, fast, direct, this kind of player could be also interesting for the future of the PFF,” Oliver said.

John Magalzo, a dynamic forward from Gingoog City, already has a goal in his bag this season and played a vital role in coach Fitch Arboleda’s offense.

With over 15 years of experience beginning from his hometown, working with youth teams for notable clubs such as FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol, Oliver highlighted the importance of continuous training - day in and day out - if one wants to play for the national team.

“You need to train hard every day, you need to be hungry, you need to improve, you need to listen to your coaches, you need to try to be a better player day by day and to develop your skills… the invisible training, how you eat, how you behave as a person inside the pitch, how you work on your dream to come through, so all that things that players think is not important is important,” he explained.

With a football career that has taken him to Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and Thailand, Oliver reminded players:

“In the national team, you can find better players than you.”