Ceres-Negros FC is now on top of Group G in the ongoing AFC Cup after a stunning 6-2 win over then-group leader Hà Nội FC of Vietnam last Wednesday night at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
It was their second best performance, following their 5-nil blast against Singapore’s Tampines Rovers last March 7.
With that result, it’s undeniable that Ceres-Negros FC is a strong side when playing at home – not to mention the talented players on the roster and the skillful minds of the coaching staff, led by veteran coach Risto Vidaković and club director Ali Go.
However, many did not notice the stars during Ceres FC home matches, the 12th man of the team – the fans and supporters of Ceres FC who travelled from various towns and cities throughout Negros Occidental to join the club in both triumphs and tears.
This crowd has yet to fail Ceres FC at home. On this stage alone, a crowd of 8,965 flocked to the Panaad when they played Tampines Rovers, with 8,366 with their eyes glued to the match earlier this week. These figures, however, were only based on the ticket receipts during these matches, a thousand more from outside the stadium were watching on set-up widescreens.
Because of these numbers, many football followers are asking, how did this happen? How did Negros football fans present to the country their love of this beautiful game?
This atmosphere has already been witnessed by the Philippine Football Federation, convincing them to bring international football back to the Panaad sometime in September. In 2011, the stadium hosted the AFC Challenge Cup match between Philippines and Mongolia, which attracted 20,000 spectators. The home team won, 2-nil.
Even Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. realized the fast-growing sport by proposing the expansion of the stadium’s seating capacity to 30,000 – not just to comply with international standards, but to accommodate a larger crowd.
For the love of football, I hope this plan will soon be realized./WDJ