Cebu F.C.

Last updated
Dynamic Herb Cebu
Dynamic Herb Cebu F.C.png
Full nameDynamic Herb Cebu Football Club
Nickname(s)The Gentle Giants
Short nameDHC
CFC
Founded2021;4 years ago (2021)
Ground Dynamic Herb Sports Complex
Capacity550
OwnerDynamic Herb Sports Incorporated
PresidentUgur Tasci
Head coach Glenn Ramos
League Philippines Football League
2024–25 Philippines Football League, 4th of 10
Website cebufootballclub.com
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

Cebu Football Club, also known as Dynamic Herb Cebu Football Club or DH Cebu for sponsorship reasons, is a Philippines professional football club based in Cebu City, Cebu. The club currently plays in the Philippines Football League, the top-flight league of football in the Philippines. [1]

Contents

The club was founded in 2021. Affiliated with Central Visayas F.A., Cebu is the third professional club to represent its region, after Cebu Queen City United which competed in UFL Division 2, and Global Cebu which competed in the Philippines Football League. [2]

History

The club is owned by Dynamic Herb Sports Incorporated, under the management of Ugur Tasci, a Turkish businessman who first arrived in the Philippines in 1994, together with his brother, Cem Tasci who developed Leylam Football Club that brought honors to Cebu in football tournaments, locally and abroad. [3] Following the success of Leylam, Tasci formed a new club that would join the Philippines Football League. [4] Leylam is considered as the predecessor of Cebu Football Club. [5]

Philippines Football League

In 2021, it was reported that the club would change its name to Dynamic Herb Cebu and was applying for a license to be able to join the Philippines Football League as early as that season. On 31 July 2021, Dynamic Herb Cebu was granted a provisional license pending full compliance of requirements that would allow it to participate in the 2021 Philippines Football League season. [6] [7] [8]

2021 season

Dynamic Herb Cebu's initial roster composed mostly of homegrown players from Leylam reinforced by players from other PFL clubs and collegiate teams. [9] The club's provisional license was affirmed on 24 August 2021. [10] The club was scheduled to debut in the 2021 PFL season, but the competition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [11] [12] The club played its first competitive match on November 11, 2021, a 1–0 loss to Stallion Laguna at the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara. [13] [14] Cebu qualified in the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara semi-finals as group runners-up. They lost to eventual champions Kaya-Iloilo 1–0 in the semifinals. [15] Cebu finished their 2021 season as fourth placers in the Copa Paulino Alcantara after losing to Stallion Laguna via penalty shootout. [16]

2022 season

After securing a partnership with Turkish Süper Lig club Hatayspor, Cebu signed Mehmet Kakil as the club's new head coach with Levent Öztürk as his assistant. They also signed former Hatayspor youth players Mert Altinöz and Arda Çinkir while Nazim Özcan was signed on loan. [17]

Cebu started their 2022 season by defeating Stallion Laguna 2–0 in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara, recording their first ever victory since the club's foundation. [18] [19] Cebu finished second in the table and captured a semi-finals berth for the second straight season. They lost to eventual champions United City 1–0 in the semifinals. [20] [21] Cebu once again finished as fourth placers in the Copa Paulino Alcantara after losing to Stallion Laguna 2–1. [22]

Cebu made their Philippines Football League debut in a 3–0 defeat against Kaya-Iloilo. [23]

AFC Cup debut

Cebu finished 2022–23 Philippines Football League season as runners-up thus seeing them qualified for their very first 2023–24 AFC Cup group stage competition. Cebu was than drawn in Group F alongside Australian club, Macarthur, Cambodian league champions, Phnom Penh Crown and Myanmar league champions, Shan United. On 26 October 2023, Cebu recorded their first ever continental win against Shan United in a 1–0 win with Ken Murayama scoring the only goal to give the club their first ever points in the AFC Cup. Cebu then finished the 2024 Philippines Football League as runners-up which the club qualified for the 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two. Cebu was then place in Group H alongside South Korean giants Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Malaysian club Selangor and Thailand club Muangthong United. Cebu lost all of their group stage fixtures except a 2–2 draw against Muangthong United in Bangkok on 23 October 2024.

First piece of silverware

Cebu than won the 2024–25 Philippines Football League Finals Series where Guytho Mijland scored the only goal to win the club first ever piece of silverware in the club history thus also seeing Cebu participating in the 2025–26 ASEAN Club Championship qualifying play-off round where they won 4–2 on aggregate against Bruneian club Kasuka thus qualifying to the 2025–26 ASEAN Club Championship where Cebu would drawn alongside both Thailand club, Buriram United and BG Pathum United, Malaysian club Selangor, Vietnamese club Công An Hà Nội and Singaporean club Tampines Rovers.

Stadium

Cebu plays its home games at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex in Talisay. [24] The sports complex has a stadium with 550 seating capacity, two FIFA-standard football fields, and indoor arena that accommodates several sporting events like futsal, basketball, badminton, and volleyball. [25] [26] For the AFC Cup/AFC Champions League Two, Cebu has played its "home" games at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. [27]

Crest and colors

Cebu's crest colors are red, white, grey and black and features a whale shark from Oslob, Cebu. [28]

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

Period Kit manufacturerMain sponsor
2021–present Flag of the Philippines.svg RAD Apparel Flag of the Philippines.svg Dynamic Herb Sports1
Flag of the Philippines.svg The Green Table
Flag of the Philippines.svg Tigertek Sports
Flag of Japan.svg Pocari Sweat

Flag of Turkey.svg Leylam (AFC competitions only)

Affiliated clubs

The following club is currently affiliated with Cebu:

In January 2022, the club launched a partnership with Turkish Süper Lig club Hatayspor. [29] [30] The partnership with Hatayspor aims to develop both men's and women's team and the development of football academic programs for the youth academy. Also part of the agreement are the exchange of coaching staff and players, including those who are in the academy. [31] [32]

Players

As of 20 August 2025 [33]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
1 GK Flag of Tunisia.svg  TUN Rami Jeridi
2 DF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Elijah Liao
3 DF Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  CAN Sam Azimzadeh
4 DF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Kamil Amirul
6 MF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Daniel Gadia
7 FW Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Jeremiah Borlongan
8 MF Flag of Portugal (official).svg  POR Anderson Pinto
9 FW Flag of Tajikistan.svg  TJK Abdulfatohi Khudoidodzoda
10 FW Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Rico Andes
12 DF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Erich Orale
14 DF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Jaime Rosquillo
15 MF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Glen Thomas Ramos
18 DF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Noah Leddel
19 FW Flag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Esrom Paulos
20 MF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Roberto Corsame
No.Pos.NationPlayer
22 GK Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Jessie Semblante
23 GK Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Joseph Ceniza
24 DF Flag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Amanhom Khamis
26 FW Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Leo Maquiling
33 MF Flag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Bol Tong
36 MF Flag of Brazil.svg  BRA Victor Cabral
41 MF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Joshua Broce
44 DF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Bryan Villanueva
55 MF Flag of Australia (converted).svg  AUS Hanibal Bond
77 FW Flag of Senegal.svg  SEN Abou Sy
80 MF Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg  CIV Marius Kore
99 FW Flag of Japan.svg  JPN Yuta Nomura
— DF Flag of the Philippines.svg  PHI Gyles Encabo
— MF Flag of Cameroon.svg  CMR Denil Ango

Technical staff

As of February 2025
PositionName
President Flag of Turkey.svg Ugur Tasci
Sporting director Flag of Turkey.svg Evren Tasci
Team manager Flag of the Philippines.svg Hannah Wong
Head coach Flag of the Philippines.svg Glenn Ramos
Assistant coach Flag of the Philippines.svg John Martin Ferrer
Goalkeeping coach Flag of the Philippines.svg Ralph Datoy
Fitness coach Flag of Portugal (official).svg Paulo Isidoro
Physiotherapist Flag of the Philippines.svg Khariza Mae Catameo
Flag of the Philippines.svg Nico Luis Banez

Head coaches

NamePeriodAchievementsRef.
Flag of the Philippines.svg Oliver Colina 2021–2022 [34]
Flag of Turkey.svg Mehmet Kakil2022–2023 [35]
Flag of the United States.svg Joshua Schirmer 2023–2024 [36]
Flag of Turkey.svg Memiş Özata2024 [37]
Flag of Turkey.svg Mustafa Göksu2024–2025
Flag of the Philippines.svg Glenn Ramos 2025–present 2024–25 Philippines Football League Finals Series

Honors

League

Cup

Records

SeasonDivisionLeague position Copa Paulino Alcantara AFC Cup/AFC Champions League Two
2021 PFL Canceled 4th —
2022— 4th —
2022–23 2nd Semi-finals —
2024 2nd — Group stage
2024–25 4th (League)— Group stage
1st (Finals Series)
2025–26———
Updated as of August 27, 2025

Continental record

As of 22 April 2025

All results (away, home and aggregate) list Cebu's goal tally first.

CompetitionQPldWDLGFGAGDW %
AFC Cup / AFC Champions League Two 212129845−37008.33
ASEAN Club Championship 1100112−1000.00
Total2131210947−38007.69
SeasonCompetitionRoundClubScoreAgg. / Pos.
HomeAway
2023–24 AFC Cup Group stage Flag of Cambodia.svg Phnom Penh Crown 0–30–4Group F
(3rd)
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Macarthur FC 0–32–8
Flag of Myanmar.svg Shan United 1–01–1
2024–25 AFC Champions League Two Group stage Flag of South Korea.svg Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 0–60–4Group H
(4th)
Flag of Malaysia.svg Selangor 0–40–1
Flag of Thailand.svg Muangthong United 2–92–2
2025–26 ASEAN Club Championship Qualifying Play-off Flag of Brunei.svg Kasuka 3–01–24–2
Group stage Flag of Singapore.svg Tampines Rovers 1–3—Group A
(TBD)
Flag of Vietnam.svg Công An Hà Nội —
Flag of Malaysia.svg Selangor —
Flag of Thailand.svg BG Pathum United —
Flag of Thailand.svg Buriram United —

Performance in AFC competitions

2023–24: Group Stage
2024–25: Group Stage

References

  1. ↑ "PFF gives Cebu provisionary license; Laos given deadline to fulfill requirements". Tiebreaker Times. 31 July 2021. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  2. ↑ "Dynamic Herb Cebu FC packs team with homegrown talent". Cebu Sports. 7 August 2021. Archived from the original on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  3. ↑ "Dynamic Herb Facilities In Cebu Need Name Partners". Pinoyfootball. 13 May 2018. Archived from the original on 6 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  4. ↑ "Dynamic Herb Cebu FC is PH Football League's newest member". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2 September 2021. Archived from the original on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  5. ↑ "DH Cebu Football Club appeals for support from Cebuanos in PFL campaign". 6 September 2021. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  6. ↑ "PFF First Instance Body Issues Decisions On Applicant Clubs". Philippine Football Federation. 31 July 2021. Archived from the original on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  7. ↑ "FIB decisions on applicant clubs". Philippines Football League. 31 July 2021. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  8. ↑ "Green light for Dynamic Herb FC for 2021 PFL". ASEAN Football Federation. 1 August 2021. Archived from the original on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  9. ↑ Aznar, Edri (13 August 2021). "Colina eyes strong debut season for Cebu FC in PFL". Sunstar. Archived from the original on 17 August 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  10. ↑ Terrado, Reuben (25 August 2021). "Cebu FC granted provisional license for 2021 PFL season". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  11. ↑ "PFF reschedules PFL opener due to ECQ". Tiebreaker Times. 5 August 2021. Archived from the original on 5 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  12. ↑ "PFL teams stay active". 7 August 2021. Archived from the original on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  13. ↑ Terrado, Reuben (15 November 2021). "Cebu Football Club gives homegrown talents chance to realize dream". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  14. ↑ Rosal, Glendale G. (November 11, 2021). "Cebu FC loses to Laguna FC in PH Football League's Copa debut". CDN Digital. Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  15. ↑ Aznar, Edri (17 November 2021). "Cebu FC loses to Kaya FC in Copa semis". SunStar Cebu. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  16. ↑ Rosal, Glendale G. (20 November 2021). "Cebu Football Club ends Copa Paulino Alcantara stint with 4-5 penalty shootout loss to Laguna FC". Cebu Daily News via Inquirer. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  17. ↑ "Cebu FC unveils new look". SunStar Cebu. 21 April 2022. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  18. ↑ Terrado, Jonas (26 April 2022). "Dynamic Herb Cebu beats Stallion-Laguna for breakthrough win in Copa". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  19. ↑ Yumol, David Tristan (25 April 2022). "Dynamic Herb Cebu victorious in Copa Paulino Alcantara 2022 opener". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  20. ↑ Aznar, Edri (18 May 2022). "Cebu FC loses to UCFC in 2022 Copa semis". SunStar Cebu. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  21. ↑ del Carmen, Lorenzo (17 May 2022). "PFL: Lyngbo scores header as United City overcomes Cebu to reach CPA final". Tiebreaker Times. Archived from the original on 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  22. ↑ "Stallion Laguna clinches third after tight contest against Dynamic Herb Cebu". Philippines Football League. 23 May 2022. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  23. ↑ Co, Adrian Stewart (17 August 2022). "PFL: Kaya-Iloilo blanks Dynamic-Cebu, 3-0". Panay News. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  24. ↑ "Lim: Sports bubble and a new football stadium in Cebu". Sunstar. 4 March 2021. Archived from the original on 6 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  25. ↑ "Unveiling of FIFA-standard artificial turf in Cebu being eyed in September". Cebu Daily News. 27 May 2019. Archived from the original on 6 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  26. ↑ "Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex: Cebu City's World-Class Football Turf". Sugbo PH. 8 March 2021. Archived from the original on 6 August 2021. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  27. ↑ Rosal, Glendale (14 September 2024). "Cebu FC 'forced' to play ACL 2 home games in Manila". Cebu Daily News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  28. ↑ Rosal, Glendale G. (2 September 2021). "Dynamic Herb Cebu FC is PH Football Leagues newest member". Cebu Daily News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  29. ↑ "Hatayspor'dan iki antrenör ve 3 futbolcu Filipinler Ligi'ne transfer oldu" (in Turkish). Ajansspor. 17 March 2022. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  30. ↑ "Hatayspor'da sürpriz Filipinler gelişmesi" (in Turkish). Fanatik. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  31. ↑ Rosal, Glendale G. (21 April 2022). "CFC ties up with Turkey's Hatayspor to develop football in Cebu, PH". Cebu Daily News via Inquirer. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  32. ↑ Villaflor, Noel (23 April 2022). "Cebu FC prepares for war". Sun Star Cebu. Archived from the original on 23 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  33. ↑ "The Cebu Football Club Gentle Giants are ready to make waves! 💪🏽⚽️ Now, presenting our 25 formidable lineup for the Philippines Football League 2024!". Cebu Football Club on Facebook. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  34. ↑ "Newly formed Cebu Football Club to see action in PFL". Inquirer. 30 October 2021. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  35. ↑ "Hatayli Futbolcular Filipinler'de Top Kosturacak" (in Turkish). Spor Haberleri. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 May 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  36. ↑ Rosal, Glendale (10 August 2023). "American Joshua Schirmer is new Cebu FC head coach". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  37. ↑ "Sürpriz İmza! Ordulu Hoca Süperlig Yolunda" (in Turkish). Hayat Gazetesi Ordu. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
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