Born-2011 Blue Eagles are RIFA Cup champs; Alejo Commeyne is Finals MVP

Ateneo de Manila’s Born-2011 football team recently emerged as champion of the 2024 RIFA Cup, besting the players from Claret School of Quezon City, Colegio San Agustin, and La Salle Lipa. In addition, Alejo Commeyne (6-Campion) was also named Finals MVP.

The team is composed of the following AGS and AJHS students: Sancho Aquino (7-Aranha), Chad Baviera (7-Berthieu), Aki Belza (7-Berchmans), Alejo Commeyne, Francis Desabille (7-Berno), Basti Driz (7-Baena), Lucas Escalante (7-Aranha), Chase Francisco (7-Alfonso), Zach Gan (7-Baldinucci), Zach Go (7-Balmain), Agu Hizon (7-Aranha), Kite Kabatay (7-Balmain), Migo Malvar (7-Alfonso), Andres Sumpaico (7-Baena), Gabriel Talattad (7-Berthieu), Rafael Talattad (7-Alvares), Josef Tomas (7-Berno), Rocco Uy (6-Realino), Jaime Villanueva (7-Aranha) and Marcus Viola (6-Hurtado). They are coached by Richard Torres, with the assistance of Mark Maravilla and Vhalentino Tolentino.

Founded in 1963, the RIFA tournament aims to cater to the youth in developing their football skills. This year’s edition took place on February 15, 17, 25, and March 1, 10, and 17, 2024. The games were held at Ateneo de Manila's Loyola Heights campus in Quezon City, Colegio San Agustin in Makati, and Claret School in Quezon City. The finals match was fought at the Ateneo de Manila Junior High School Field. The Ateneo Born 2011 Team topped the tournament round with a lossless record, maintained clean sheets in all games (0 goals from opponents), and was victorious in the championship match.