I don't feel their hearts no more

Photo Credits: Philippines Football League / Matchday Media

Having the privilege of sitting in one of the best seats in the house as a commentator for the Philippines Football League, I have been witness to some of the best moments of glory and some glimpses of despair.

So believe me when I tell you that the Manila Montet squad that I have called a game for: I don't feel their hearts no more. And I can't blame them.

This PFL season is one of their best, largest, and most exciting seasons since the pandemic pulled Pilipinas Futbol back a few years. Fifteen teams, a single round-robin format, and a potential trial of a home and away setup with some large teams offering to host games outside of PH Football's iconic Mecca, the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

It promises 105 games across several months. And while it has taken them a while, they finally have solid coverage with their return to live TV thanks to the PFL's formerly in-house broadcast team and Matchday Media's combined efforts.

But all the beauty and joy we see with this new season also comes with a harder slap of reality for many who want financial stability and sustainability for the future of our domestic professional football.

With the current season of the PFL opening its doors for amateur clubs as well as for those who were once part of the country's top-flight club football league in the hopes of providing much-needed exposure and experience for our local talents, one club captured my attention, it was Manila Montet FC.

Photo Credits: Philippines Football League / Matchday Media

A club boasting about their 100% Filipino squad, Manila Montet provided that breath of fresh air in the league. Players from various grassroots leagues and some who might not have been given the opportunity to play in the limelights of the UAAP and NCAA built up the squad and have shown signs of promise despite being a brand new club in the league.

They started well despite a loss on opening day with Henry Piñero scoring the maiden goal for the debutants in the league and, to this date, their only goal of the tournament. A goal that, for some might just be simple but for Piñero and his side, a very important one as it sets the tone of their season.

Photo Credits: Philippines Football League / Matchday Media

However, the grim reality already crept into Manila Montet FC's management that running a football club at the highest level costs a lot. And we mean a lot. So if you are a club willing to participate at the pinnacle of Philippine domestic football, you must be ready to shell out hundreds of thousands, even millions, to keep up with the league vets. So at the very start, you are lying if you do not see the football club as a business.

No one in their right mind, unless there are gains or at least sustainability, would spend that amount of money. Not even for advocacy.

Non-profit organizations know that to push their advocacies into the future continually, they need to continue existing, and that they need to constantly function in doing their initiatives to make it happen.

This is why I am a bit bothered to see the current state of the Manila Montet roster. The team no longer looks as hungry. You can feel they are just going through the motions as they move ever so slowly whenever they aren't involved in the play.

They looked to have lost the spring in their steps as they move off the ball. You can catch them with their heads down at times. A far cry from how they moved when I witnessed their maiden match where I found myself impressed by how they managed to show heart and intent despite their lack of experience at this level.

Photo Credits: Philippines Football League / Matchday Media

I don't see the same squad despite seeing the same names.

They had shown such promise of being a fully homegrown outfit. They advocated for a club accessible to those with the skills by doing tryouts. They had even proudly told us that they would be sustainable despite the lack of large-scale sponsorship.

So why do we see and hear such outcries from the very people who would be contributing the most to their advocacy?

While there is still a shortage of facts surrounding the situation, the players' body language immediately following the outburst tells us that the worst might be coming to fruition.

Granted, there is nothing wrong with supporting the organization and what they believe in. Just never forget the welfare of the very men and women that represent you.

Our point here is, why are there Manila Montet players who are unhappy with their club's situation regarding allowances? Was the setup not made clear? Were there commitments unmet? Were they not given the right expectations before signing with the club? Or was there a disconnection with what the club told them and how their players understood what was said?

Photo Credits: Philippines Football League / Matchday Media

All these questions, we hope will come to light soon. We all want the same thing for potential new players and clubs that want to go pro: to survive financially and continue to compete.

Never forget that a professional sport is, as the name implies, a profession. It is a livelihood. Never forget that while the promise of making history is the end game, everyone still needs to live day to day.

Here's to hoping for the best for Manila Montet's players and key contributors who are voicing concerns.

Bring the fire back burning within their hearts.

See you on the pitch.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions of this writer do not reflect the views and opinions of the organization, its writers, and contributors.