FOREIGN student-athletes competing in the 2018 season of the Cesafi men’s basketball tournament expressed their disappointment over the decision banning foreign players from the league starting in 2021.
The ruling was announced by Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy during the league’s season launch on Monday afternoon at the Harold’s Hotel.
“We are doing this because we want to level the playing field. Not all schools can afford an import, because they are expensive, only two schools can,” said Tiukinhoy, who has been at the helm of the league for nearly two decades.
The University of the Visayas’ Bassiere Sackour, a native of the West African nation of Liberia, said that for someone like him,who don’t have the means to a good education, basketball has offered him a precious opportunity.
“First, that will not be good for us foreign players, because some of us want to go to school and play basketball, but we don’t have support so we make use of basketball to get the scholarships to go to school,” said Sackour, who has helped the Green Lancers win back-to-back titles in the men’s basketball tournament.
“Second, Filipino will have a hard time when they play against foreign players since they won’t be used to it anymore. And the Cesafi won’t be as great to watch any more also,” the 6-foot-7 forward said.
Sackour’s sentiments was echoed by Nigerian Richy Managor, who plays for the University of Southern Philippines Foundation. His brother, Sommy, is also set to suit up for University of San Carlos this season.
“The opportunity we have to study and get our degree will be taken away from us. Like for me, studies come first before basketball and if I can't play, that means I can't study and it will destroy so many lives which the game of basketball would have built,” said Managor.
The growth of the local basketball players will also be stunted, said Managor.
“It will also make the local players average. It would probably inhibit their growth of playing professional basketball outside of the Philippines.”
The University of Cebu’s Frederick Elombe, who hails from Cameroon, shared his belief that sports should be a universal.
“To be honest, limiting some people based on one or two specifications or facts seems somehow sad,” Elombe said.
“This decision which seems fair to the Cesafi's governing board, on the other hand, will greatly limit achievements and a way forward for foreign players. It be best if such an experience isn't snatched from others coming after us. This decision might take away career goals and dreams for some foreign players.”
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