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Maharlika founder Del Rosario insists veteran core can still compete against young PFL opposition

Misagh Bahadoran, left, will lead the charge for Maharlika Manila's veteran-laden lineup. Mike Romero (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--As the roster of Maharlika Manila takes shape through video announcements, one can observe that most of the revealed players, particularly Simon Greatwich, Cedric Hodreal, Joaco Canas, Jerry Barbaso, Daniel Matsunaga, Misagh Bahadoran, and David Basa, are already in their 30's and could be past their primes already.

They even played either alongside or against Coach Roxy Dorlas when he was still a player for Meralco Manila.

Despite more young guns coming to the PFL, especially the Azkals Developmental Team, new Stallion Laguna signing Finn McDaniel, and new United City recruits Anthony Pinthus and Pocholo Bugas, Anton Del Rosario, Maharlika Manila's founder, believes that the veterans still have what it takes to play at a high level.

"These guys can still play. They still have a motor on them, their physical aspects, and they all still have a fight," Del Rosario said in the online press launch of Maharlika Manila on Wednesday.

Del Rosario added that their long tenure in playing club football will factor a lot in giving the rest of the PFL field, which also includes Kaya Iloilo and Mendiola, a run for their money as long as they bring in their A-game.

"Experience wins games," he further said. "If they are put on the field, I know that they will give their 100 percent, and if we are able to get 100 percent from these players, we could end up winning the league."

Despite the veteran core, Maharlika Manila is also infused with young blood in Enrique Ortiz, Charlie Beaton, and youth football standouts Manu Mariano and Julian Del Valle.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_