PBA legends Caidic, Codinera miss action-packed SMB-Purefoods rivalry as both teams meet again in PBA finals

The rivalry between Purefoods and San Miguel has been intense since the early 90's. Rick Dela Cruz (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--It was during the late 80's and early 90's when the San Miguel-Purefoods rivalry began to blossom.

As it turned out, however, these former UE King Warriors starred for both the Beermen and the Hotshots during those days.

"I miss everything," said current La Salle assistant coach Allan Caidic, who joined the Beermen in 1993 via free agency, to Dugout Philippines.

In a separate interview with Dugout Philippines, current Arellano head coach Jerry Codinera, who started his pro career with the Purefoods franchise, relayed, "Nami-miss ko yung crowd at saya."

While the rivalry can trace its roots to the controversial trade for Mon Fernandez before the 1989 season, the rift began to simmer when they faced off in two consecutive Philippine Cup Finals in 1993 and 1994, splitting both series.

"Grabe ang intensity. Masaya pag naglaban ang Purefoods at San Miguel," continued Codinera, known as "The Defense Minister".

"Basta championship talaga, kung San Miguel at Purefoods, ang history niyan, way back pa. Talagang very competitive," added Caidic, tagged "The Triggerman".

Both PBA legends also agree that the current rosters of both clubs deserve to be in the 2018 Philippine Cup Finals.

"Both teams are capable of winning the championship now," said Caidic.

"Parehong malakas yun. It's giving us good vibes," added Codinera.

As their Finals rolls along, both Caidic and Codinera said in unison, "Good luck na lang sa parehong teams."

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno