CW Management speaks up
Fans of Celestial Fury have been disappointed with the sale of Gaudioso Dabandan, the best SF playing in the Philippines. Hundreds of fans protested in front of the CW building the moment he was sold, carrying banners in protest of the sale. The sale has become a national issue, even becoming the headlines of some newspapers the following days after the transfer.
A long time fan and season ticket holder was even filmed on TV saying, "Why must the management sell him? He's a walking mismatch. They first sold Abada, now Dabandan? Bloody businessmen. I might even reconsider renewing my season ticket next season."
The management broke their silence finally in a press conference held at Shangrila Hotel in Shaw Boulevard. JSmoove, the team owner and CEO of Celestial Fury took some time off his busy schedule and adressed the fans.
"This is the best team we've had in numerous seasons, maybe even the best, and breaking it up is the hardest thing we've done. But we had to do it. He [Dabandan] was depressed when he was not included in the NT lineup. It was the only time that he is able to play with his buddy Abada and the NT staff took that away from him.", said JSmoove.
"Fans do not need to be worried, we have always been the best team in the country, and we will always be. Celestial Fury does not rebuild, we reload.", he continued.
When asked who the replacement for Dabandan will be, the owner has this to say, "We are currently looking at prospects, but the final price hasn't been agreed upon yet. Do not worry, we still have our sights on the 4th consecutive cup."
A reporter quickly asked, "There is a lot of rumor that you want to sign former U21 player Dispo. The fans see Abada in him in the way he lead the Pilipinas U21 to the Asian Championship games. Is there any truth in this?" JSmoove smiled and simply said, "His current manager has been stubborn about the matter. We inquired about him [Dispo ]and the manager wanted 8 million for him. He deserves to be in a mental institution." The crowd erupted in laughter. "We do not ask players to be part of the team, players demand to be with us. It will only be a matter of time.", he continued. "Enjoy the Heat buffet! See you when he lift the Cup trophy.", he said before leaving the hotel.
Later that day, Dabandan said this in an ambush interview before his flight, "The NT team chose Dispo over me?! He's half the player that I am. I have played in B3 games before he was even out of his diapers.", he laughed. "It is mental to think that he's the one replacing Abada in the lineup. I saw the game last Monday and i was laughing hysterically every time he was on the floor. The opposing SF was toying with him. You do not win with boys, you win with men. They deserved to lose.", Dabandan said while boarding the plane.