BACOLOD United Football Club added another champion's trophy in its growing collection when they captured the championship crown of the 2009 Philippines-Malaysia Veterans Football Championship.

Mentored by former RP team coach Rene Dofitas, the team defeated the visiting Malay Mail of Malaysia, 3-2, Sunday at the Panaad pitch in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

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Former RP team mainstay Norman Fegidero Jr., hero of the historic 1-0 RP victory over Malaysia during the 1991 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, proved once again that his scoring savvy was more than enough to carry his side to the title, scoring two goals in the 23rd and 27th minutes while Greg Gustilo sealed the win for the Bacolod side in the 50th minute.

Malay Mail, owned by journalist Tony Mariadas, scored through Supramanian who broke the ice in the ninth minute whileMoud Faridzal Kazim tallied another in the 36th minute.

In the battle for third place, Real Negrense FC nipped ERCO Cebu FC, 1-0, via the lone goal courtesy of Jamelo Soriano in the 13th minute.

The awarding ceremonies were held last night at the Luxur Place where the visiting Malaysians were billeted.

The ceremonies were presided by Philippine Football Federation (PFF) general secretary Cyril Dofitas, local organizing committee head Rafael Lizares, match commissioner Warren Concepcion and referees inspector Dennis Estaniel, among others.

The event is envisioned to be an annual competition with more teams from Malaysia as well as from other parts of the country seeing action starting next year in another 40-above veterans' tournament sanctioned by both the FA of Malaysia and PFF.

The two-day event here was co-hosted by the Bacolod United Football club and Real Negrense Football Club. (With report from Lito Sapar)