Football
Having a bit of ‘arrogance’ helps Fonzy Gonzalez anchor UP’s golden run
When University of the Philippines staged its thrilling 2-1 comeback over Far Eastern University last Monday to claim its second UAAP Men’s Football crown in three seasons, one name stood tall between the posts: Fonzy Gonzalez.
The goalkeeper’s heroics not only sealed the Fighting Maroons’ redemption story but also earned him the season’s Best Goalkeeper award, capping a campaign defined by seven clean sheets and just eight goals conceded.
But Gonzalez’s rise to the top wasn’t instantaneous. Long before the accolades, he was the patient understudy, honing his craft in training and supporting teammates from the sidelines, ready for the moment his number would be called.
“For me, I wasn’t really one of the players who usually got picked to play,” Gonzalez admitted. “So I knew my role was to work as hard as I could in training and support my teammates on the pitch—always knowing I had their back no matter what happened.”
The transformation from backup to elite stopper demanded more than skill; it required a shift in mindset. Gonzalez credits his growth to guidance from the team’s previous starter and goalkeeper coach, who taught him that a great keeper must combine skill with presence and confidence.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“One thing I learned from the starting keeper and our coach was to have a bit of arrogance—magkaroon ng konting yabang. Know that you can handle anything and that every decision you make is the right one,” he explained.
That self-assuredness shone brightest in the championship match. In the dying minutes, with UP leading after Ramil Bation II’s 104th-minute strike, Gonzalez and his defenders held firm against a relentless FEU attack, denying the Tamaraws a chance to force penalties.
“It felt like a flashback—beating FEU again—but the scenario was reversed,” Gonzalez recalled. “We were chasing most of the game and never doubted our comeback. Next thing we knew, we were controlling the match, and it ended our way.”
The Fighting Maroons’ triumph was truly a collective effort. Aside from Gonzalez, Florenz Tacardon and Charles Lobitaña were named co-Most Valuable Players, with Lobitaña also earning Best Defender honors.
For Gonzalez, Season 88 will always stand out—not just as another championship, but as a testament to years of unseen effort finally paying off.
“I cannot be happier. It feels like it was about time for me,” he said. “It’s the result of all the hard work I’ve put in during the off-season and in other tournaments. Every moment of preparation mattered.”
UP’s redemption story was built on resilience, teamwork, and a goalkeeper who refused to let anything slip past him—a true wall at the heart of their championship run.
The post Having a bit of ‘arrogance’ helps Fonzy Gonzalez anchor UP’s golden run appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.
Monday July 27, 2026
- Pele stadium, Kigali 4pm [EAT]
Denis Lavagne still maintains that Vipers’ main target is the start of the season in Uganda when his side face Kitara in the Fufa Super Cup on August 23 but remain braced for Gor Mahia clash.
The Cecafa Kagame Cup Group A clash at Pele stadium, Kigali pits two sides who won their opening two matches and a win could secure them a place in the semi-final.
Vipers saw off Djibouti’s Garde Republicaine 3-0 while Gor Mahia humiliated hosts APR 5-0 in their first game.
Lavagne expects a difficult game against the Kenyan giants who will be slight favourites in the tie.
“We are not yet 100-percent but we are here to continue with progress,” started Lavagne.
“We have a difficult game tomorrow (Monday) because Gor Mahia is a good team and won the first game so it is good test for our players.
“But I think the players want to show progress and I expect a better game than the first because despite victory, we didn’t play so well especially after the first half yet I want consistent.
“The target for me remains the August 23 Fufa Super Cup game in Uganda but we hope to win tomorrow and progress to the semi-final.”
K’Ogalo were ruthless against APR and Lavagne says this is the most difficult game in the group.
“We have to work hard and improve many things. Gor Mahia is the most difficult in the group but the players are motivated and we shall do all it takes to win.”
With APR likely to overcome Garde Republicaine in the later game, both Gor Mahia and Vipers need victory to enlighten chances of reaching the last four.
The post Vipers braced for most difficult game against Gor Mahia – Lavagne appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Uganda Cranes midfielder Baba Al-Hassan has joined Turkish entity Madrin 1969 Spor Club on a two-year deal.
Al Hassan, 26, joins the Turkish side from FCSB in Romania where he spent two seasons, scoring twice in 72 appearances.
We wish Baba Alhassan, who we believe will make significant contributions to our goals with his experience, character and quality, a career full of success under our red-navy blue jersey and hope that he will be beneficial to our community
Mardin 1969 Spor statement
Born in Accra, Ghana; the holding midfielder commenced his career at African Talent Football Academy before joining Real Valladolid in 2019.
He played for Real Valladolid B between 2018 and 2019 before crossed to Romania’s Hermannstadt as a free agent in 2020.
Al Hassan is capped five times for Uganda Cranes. He was part of the 25-man final squad that represented Uganda at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
For starters, Mardin Sports Club was founded in 1969 after a merger of Kalespor, Timurspor, Mezopotamyaspor and Genclikspor teams.
The Red and Navy blue colour themed entity hosts their home games at the 5700 seater 21 Kasim Stadium in Mardin.
They won the league title in the 2003/04 season.
The post Uganda Cranes midfielder Al-Hassan moves to Turkey appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Uganda Cranes international Kenneth Semakula has completed a move to Al Ittihad Alexandria.
The defender-cum-midfielder has been a free agent since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Adalah earlier this year.
The former Sports Club Villa player now begins a new chapter in Egypt.
He comes along to Al Ittihad Alexandria with valuable experience from spells in Uganda, Tunisia, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
After a youthful career at Vipers Sports Club, Semakula has since featured for Busoga United, BUL and Sports Club in Uganda.
He then crossed to Club Africain in Tunisia and played for Al-Arabi (Kuwait) and lately Al-Adalah in Saudi Arabia.
Semakula is capped 23 times for the Uganda Cranes since 2021.
The post Uganda Cranes’ utility player Semakula joins Egyptian giants Al Ittihad Alexandria appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
-
News5 months agoCamilla Lamina shows calm leadership even off the bench
-
DLSU5 months agoShan Nunag shows composure beyond year in La Salle debut
-
Football5 months ago
2026 Uganda Cup: The confirmed fixtures, venues & kick off times at round of 32
-
Foreign Pros6 months ago
‘Eric Chelle must pay compensation to quit Super Eagles post’
-
Football5 months ago
Divine Mukasa plays full time as Leicester City bows out of FA Cup to Southampton
-
Cricket News6 months agoT20 World Cup 2026: 'We've got to stay positive' – Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott remains hopeful of reaching Super 8 despite back-to-back losses
-
Others6 months ago
Sarah Babirye Kityo: The majestic return to 12th Parliament, to front sports talent development
-
CAF6 months agoAFCON 2025: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, and Why African Football Is at a Crossroads