By Adrian Stewart Co

After nearly two decades, former goalkeeper for the Philippine men’s football team, the Azkals, Reffix ‘Ref’ Cuaresma formally announced his retirement.

“They say it’s still young to stop, but it’s time,” he wrote in a social media post. “I would like to step down with pride and joy from competitive football.”

Cuaresma, originally from Dumaguete City, most recently played for Kaya-Futbol Club Iloilo.

He began his local career in 2001 with the Philippine Navy in the now-defunct United Football League. He later joined Loyola Meralco Sparks FC from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, he joined Manila Jeepney FC for a short stint, then played with Stallion Laguna FC until 2016.

The goalie was also part of the Kaya squad that took home the 2018 Copa Paulino Alcantara./ASC, WDJ