As a president of a young football association, I have been in a lot of actual crash course experience in leading the organization to its vision, mission, and goal. Cavite Football Association also called as CAFA was organized in 2006 and in its four or so years of existence, it has already established tournaments after tournaments each year and I could proudly say that CAFA is one of the most active Football Association in the Philippines. The development of the players and teams under the auspices of CAFA has been tremendous, as a matter of fact; lots of its players are already recruited in various school varsities all over Mega Manila and South Luzon. How I wish to see some of this playing for the national team in the nearest future.
This November, while running the already institutionalized Youth Football League, we were honoured to be visited by a known personality in PFF being a former governor and currently the president of Butuan Agusan Del Norte Football Association, Mr. Apolonio “Tito” Clemente, a prominent Pastor and Educator.
Sharing moments with him put me in admiration learning vast knowledge in handling a football association. In a short span of time, I have known a man of vision and compassion for the future of Filipino Football. Seldom have I met leaders that spend time to teach the religious values creating a morally strong highly skilled footballer, and here he is, spending time with players developing a closer relationship with the Divine Providence while supporting football teams to participate in competitive leagues. His guidance protects players from the temptation of the earthly lure. He is a man of action, a leader that could create a competitive team from virtually undeveloped talents. Inspiration, Leader, Pastor, all rolled into one – that’s what Pastor Tito is. Indeed a leader by example.
CAFA as an organization is still young, and the whole organization is gratified to be supported by a leader like Pastor Clemente. His presence was an inspiration, and will always be hereafter. As we move forward, we would love to see more of Mr. Clemente’s presence and be the witness of the new dawn of Cavite Football.