THE National University Bulldogs expect to come out in top fighting form when the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s football tournament kicks off on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Their new coach Mari Aberasturi hopes that they can hold their ground against the University of the East Warriors in their opening game at 2 p.m.
From there, the team will take it one game at a time, and hopefully, reach the semifinals.
“We would not want to have high expectations. We would like to win and prepare hard against UE, and from there, we’ll try to get the next game,” said Aberasturi, who presented members of the team last Wednesday at the Kamayan West Ave.
At the presentation were NU athletics’ director Chito Loyzaga, assistant director Mark Galido and new team manager BJ Manalo.
He will be backed up former Philippine Azkals players Ronald Pinero and Florante Altivo.
Aberasturi, was an assistant coach of Aris Caslib of the San Beda Red Lions, which won six of seven championships since 2010.
He left last year after the Red Lions finished runner up to Arellano University.
Aberasturi, who is the national under-19 men’s football coach, came aboard last August, replacing Wilhelm Laranas.