DLSZ would like to congratulate Enrico Mangaoang (DLSZ 2020) and Justin Peña IV (DLSZ 2020) who competed in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Men’s Under-23 Football Competition held last May 6-13, 2022 in Vietnam.
Their two-month training for the SEA games started during the first week of March. Individually, they participated in various tournaments such as the Stallion Laguna Football Club, Copa Paulino Alcantara Tournament, Division One professional team and Malaysia U23 National Team.
Though their participation ended in a quick defeat at fourth place in Group A with 4 points built on one win, one draw, and two losses (source: Rappler), these young athletes shared their entire experience on a positive note, “What I look forward to during the SEA Games is to feel what it’s like participating in one of the highest competitions in Southeast Asia. I also looked forward to learning many new things about my sport” Enrico states.
Justin also shares, “We look forward to getting out of the group stage and winning the tournament but things didn’t go our way. However, us younger guys have a lot to take away from this to improve our game.”
They were both committed to this sport since they were young Lasallians in DLSZ. Enrico is playing as a goalkeeper under the Azkals Development Team and currently enrolled as a second year student, taking up Interdisciplinary Business Studies at De La Salle University. “LS education helped me join in these prestigious competitions because I was able to learn how to be committed to the things I want to achieve. Being a member of the Lasallian community motivated me to do my best in representing not only my school but also my country.”
On the other hand, Justin is currently enrolled in Erskine College, Due West, South Carolina. He is taking up Mathematics and plays for the football team as a midfielder. With his Lasallian education, he is committed to excel in this sport, “it helps me believe and push myself to be a better football player.”
On behalf of the entire DLSZ community, we would like to congratulate Enrico and Justin on representing the country for their participation in this prestigious competition.
Animo La Salle!
Photos Courtesy of Enrico (1st from right) & Justin (1st from left)
Enrico with his team (2nd row, 1st from right)
Justin (in the middle photo)
Originally published May 19, 2022 11:00 AM, updated May 20, 2022 11:00 AM