Tani Gomez, Roy Cañete to stay as members of PH water polo team for unfinished business

By Waylon Galvez

After helping the Philippines capture a silver medal in last year’s 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, veteran players Tani Gomez and Roy Cañete are determined to return for another stint with the national team for the 2021 edition of the biennial meet in Hanoi, Vietnam.

It was the first podium finish for the water polo national team in 10 years, but both players felt they have an unfinished business after missing on the gold medal won by Indonesia to end the long reign of Singapore.

“Of course, masaya kami ni Roy na after 10 years nakabalik ang Pilipinas sa top three sa SEA Games,” said Gomez.

“Pero siyempre, andun yung feeling na gustong gusto pa din namin na makuha yung kauna-unahang gold medal… kaya parang may kulang pa. Kaya nga after nung last game namin napag-usapan namin ni Roy na hindi dito natatapos yung stint namin with the national team. Hanggat kaya, lalaban kami para sa bayan,” he added.

The national team could have finished as the champion and gold medalist in water polo when the Games were held here late last year.

Needing to beat Singapore by three goals or more, the Filipinos were instead forced to a 6-6 draw in its final game. The national team finished with a record of two wins and two draws – also drawing 6-6 with Indonesia, which had three wins and a draw.

Singapore, which ruled the water polo event since its introduction during the 1965 SEA Games, finished with two wins, a draw and a loss to settle with the bronze medal.

Gomez and Cañete will both turn 39 this year, but they proved they are still one of the best in their respective positions during the SEA Games here.

A goalie, Gomez showcased his defensive prowess with his shot blocking abilities on his way to a another silver medal to add to his collection of silvers won in 2005, 2007 and 2009 to go with a bronze in 2003.

For his part, Cañete remains as a solid wing player and dangerous scorer – proof of that was his three goals against Singapore in the final game – as he earned his third silver medal since he was part of the 2005 and 2007 national teams, and bronze in 2003.

Gomez said that his wish for this year as preparation begins again for the 2021 SEA Games is the support of the Philippine Sports Commission led by its chairman Butch Ramirez and the Philippine Swimming Inc. under president Lanie Velasco.

“Talagang napakalaking tulong ang nakuha namin from the PSI and PSC, kaya naging maganda yung performance ng team sa nakaraang SEA Games. Hopefully magtuloy-tuloy kasi yung tulong nila para maka-training abraod and international competition ang susi para maging matagumpay yung program ng water polo,” he said.

The water polo team has Mico Anota, Adan Gonzales, Matthew Yu, Macgyver Reyes, Mark Valdez, Aljon Salonga, Romark Belo, Paolo Serrano, Abnel Amiladjid, Mummar Alamara and Fil-Am Vince Sicat, with coaches Rey Galang and Dale Evangelista.

Source: Manila Bulletin