Mazarrón FC’s start to the 2021/22 season got off to an embarrassing start. The supporters who travelled to the game away to Archena Sport were unaware of the problems behind the scenes which resulted in the delay in registering six of our players; five Colombians and Allan Mike from Brazil. In addition, Chiky Ardil was still on beach soccer duty with his club CD Benfica Loures in Portugal which meant that only nine senior players were available for selection. Four players from the various Mazarrón Futbol Base teams were called up which meant that we were only able to field two substitutes. Unfortunately, it later transpired that one of the players, Antonio Jose Lorente, was aged 25, which apparently contravened with a rule that says that any player called up from a subsidiary team must be under 23. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but Archena complained to the Murcia Federation that MFC had fielded an ineligible player and the Federation awarded the game to Archena by the statutory 3-0 margin and fined them €1001. MFC has appealed against the decision and also apologised to its supporters in an official statement outlining the events.
It is a pity that all this overshadowed what had been an excellent performance by the makeshift team, especially as they had been further weakened by the sending off of Quintero and the hospitalisation of Riquelme in the second half. The team dominated for most of the game until they were reduced to ten men 15 minutes before time.
For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Los Amigos were able to take a supporters coach to the game and enjoyed a drink in a local bar before the game. It is hoped that this will once again be a regular occurrence as the provision of a coach to away games is one of the main aims of the Los Amigos constitution.
The following week saw the first home game of the season with the visit of El Palmar. A number of members and friends took advantage of coach travel to the game followed by a meal and drinks at Bar Sienna opposite the football ground after the game where they were joined by four members of the MFC support team; Manager Joni, fitness coach Pol, analyst Armando and Commercial Director Jairo.
MFC were again without Chiky Ardil, four of the Colombians and Brazilian Allan Mike, although one of the other Colombians, Julian David, had been registered along with English born Aarron Fothergill who had been a successful player in the Mazarròn junior teams and South Korean born Kyeolming Nan. Even then, MFC had to call on six players from the junior teams to enable them to field a full team and five substitutes.
The game again ended in a 1-1 draw after MFC had taken the lead through Adrian Silva in first half stoppage time. However, the lead lasted only two minutes into the second half before El Palmar equalised. Again, it was a good performance considering the strength of MFC and the prospects are looking good once all the necessary documentation is in place for the players who are not yet registered.
MFC have taken responsibility for the Man of the Match Award and supporters are encouraged to vote online with the winner being announced on the day following each game. Julian David Tavorda was the first winner at the home game against El Palmar.
MFC’s home games are normally played on Sundays. Full details are advertised in the local media, on www.mazarronfc.com, on Facebook fb.me/mazarron2016 and on posters at various points throughout Camposol and Mazarrón.
Forthcoming fixtures:
October 3rd – Real Murcia B – away
October 10th – Racing Murcia CF – home
October 13th – CF Lorca Deportiva – away**
October 17th – FC La Union Atletico – home
October 24th – FC Cartagena B – away
October 31st – CD Bullense – home
November 7th – Yeclano Deportivo – away
** The Lorca away game is provisionally on the Tuesday, but could be moved to either Wednesday or Thursday in that week.
Los Amigos have now re-introduced coach travel to our members subject to demand. Coach prices are €10 for Los Amigos members and €12 for non-members. Please email janperks1@gmail.com if you wish to travel on the coach well in advance of each game. Payment can be made at our Thursday meetings.
For the away game at Yeclano on 7th November we will be arranging to stop at our usual hotel on the way to Yecla for a pre-match meal. Full details and prices will be made available as soon as possible.
A meeting was held with the new owners of Hotel la Cumbre in September with regards to the forthcoming Gala Dinner scheduled for Tuesday 29th March next year. Final details will be released very shortly on our Facebook page and by email to our members.
The venue for Los Amigos’ weekly meetings are now at Mariano’s, Camposol A each Thursday at 4pm. All are welcome to attend except for the Business Meeting which is held on the last Thursday of each month and is open to members only. Los Amigos membership costs €20 per year and entitles the member and partner discount on coach travel to away games and on all social activities. Please email stevebarrow01@gmail.com for a membership form or just call at one of our meetings.