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No rest for Risto as Negros's quest for treble is on after retaining PFL title

There's no such thing as party for Ceres Negros, even after retaining the PFL title. Kevin Estrada/Dugout Philippines
By Kevin Estrada

MANILA -- Even with the PFL title retained last Wednesday, Ceres Negros are not taking day off to celebrate it.

"We don't have time," manager Risto Vidakovic said after the Busmen punched their return ticket to the AFC Champions League for next season with a dominant display that culminated in a 6-1 rout at the Rizal Memorial.

"Maybe, the difference is the format," the Serbian told Dugout Philippines, as he cited their title wins under a Finals format and the pure league form.

More importantly, he admitted that they finally retain the title on schedule, as the champions have their quest for treble activated for August, and it will start with their AFC Cup ASEAN Zone Final against Singapore's Home United at the very first day of the new month.

"We're very motivated to play this game," he added, noting that the grind almost took a toll on them both in the domestic and in the Asian side of their season, as he sent the returning Roland Muller on goal in order for Toni Doblas to rest ahead of their sequel with the Protectors.

Apart from their AFC Cup, Ceres Negros also set their sights as well for the newly-launched Copa Paulino Alcantara which will kick off in September.

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada