Davao Strikers FC Achieves Double Victory at Golazo Winners Cup 2026
The Davao Strikers Football Club (FC) has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in youth football by securing both the Under-6 and Under-7 championships at the recently concluded Golazo Winners Cup 2026. Held at the Tionko Football Field in Davao City, the tournament showcased the Strikers' exceptional talent and unwavering determination across two age categories.
Under-7 Squad's Dominant Campaign
In the Under-7 division, the Davao Strikers delivered a flawless performance, outclassing 12 teams from across Mindanao. Their journey to the title was marked by a series of impressive victories, culminating in a decisive 3-0 win over Tagum Palms in the final. The team built momentum early with a scoreless draw against D'Feeters, followed by commanding wins: 3-1 against Ciudad FC, 4-1 against Tagum Palms, and 6-0 against DPLC Power Kickers. They secured their spot in the finals with a 3-0 victory over Dolores.
Individual accolades highlighted the squad's balanced attack and disciplined defense. Sage Mariscotes earned the Golden Boot for top scorer, Liam Maningo was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), Ragnar Correa took home the Best Goalkeeper award, and Elijah Dorin was recognized as Best Striker.
Under-6 Team's Gritty Triumph
The Under-6 team mirrored this success, navigating an eight-team field with grit and composure. Their path to the championship included a 2-1 opening win over Tagum Palms, a 1-1 draw with FC Polomolok, and a 3-1 victory against Davao Amigos to reach the semifinals. They edged out D'Feeters 1-0 in the semifinals and shut out Aces 2-0 in the final to clinch the title.
Key players were also honored, with Randall Dave Lumanlan named Tournament MVP and John Kristoff Pines earning Best Defender for his solid backline contributions.
Coach's Insights and Future Focus
Coach Murphy Jake Somosot attributed the double championship to rigorous preparation and a player-first environment. "It is an incredibly rewarding experience to see the team become back-to-back champions in the Under-6 and Under-7 categories," Somosot said. "My greatest pride comes from seeing the players execute what we practiced."
The team trained three to five times weekly, blending technical drills with enjoyment. "They turned every practice into an adventure—learning to dribble, pass, and kick with smiles," he added. Somosot emphasized that the unbeaten runs stemmed from fostering confidence and freedom on the pitch. "When you empower children to enjoy the game and be who they want to be, they perform at their best."
Looking ahead, the coach stressed a focus on development over trophies. "We will continue to provide an environment where they can enjoy the game and grow—not just as players, but as people. The trophies are in the cabinet, but the work never stops."
