Kaya FC–Iloilo Eager to End Disappointing Run Against Ceres Negros

Technically, the 2018 Philippines Football League started in early March. But with a four-week break following the PFL opener, it seems as if the season is starting all over again. Unlike March, April will be much busier for Kaya FC–Iloilo, with two away games, and two matches at home scheduled within the next three weeks. Their campaign officially restarts on Wednesday, against the defending champions, Ceres Negros. The match, which kicks off at 7pm, is Kaya’s first visit back to Panaad Stadium since absorbing a bitter loss in last year’s PFL semifinals.

“It’s been four months since we were last here. Everyone is really looking forward to tomorrow’s game,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida. “Last season, we had six games against Ceres, and we had one draw and five losses. The motivation is, it’s a new season, and we’re looking forward to a different story for tomorrow’s game.”

“Kaya FC is always up to the challenge, regardless of the opponent,” he continued. “Our objective in tomorrow’s game is to put up a good fight against the defending champions. Also, this will only be our second game that the team is complete against Ceres. The only other time was our first game in the PFL. In the other matches, we always endured suspensions. Tomorrow, the team is intact, and we have the reinforcements for us to reach the objective.”

Wednesday’s clash at Panaad is being billed as the Western Visayas Clasico, adding fuel to an already feisty matchup. Even without the Negros versus Iloilo dynamic, last year’s encounters were littered with drama, controversy, and overflowing emotions — amid plenty of quality play. In 2018, with the addition of the rivalry between the two regions, the tension between the two teams is expected to increase exponentially.

New signing Camelo Tacusalme, who was born and raised in Negros Occidental, is well aware of the stakes in the upcoming match, and of the intensity that’s in store at the Panaad Stadium. It will, however, be a foreign experience representing Iloilo in the matchup.

“Even way back, Iloilo and Negros were always rivals. Tomorrow, the match will be more fun because of that,” he said. “My feeling right now, is that I’m excited to be on the Iloilo side for a change, but I’m not sure what people here are going to say,” he laughed.

“Every time I face Ceres, I’m excited. I really like playing against them, and I really want to win. That’s all I’m thinking about when I come here,” said the former Ceres Negros center back. “Kaya fans can expect that I’ll give 100% in my performance, and 100% loyalty to the club.”

Further expounding on the rich history between Negros and Visayas, Noel Marcaida revisited his playing days.

“This season will be interesting because, the Western Visayas rivalry is being reignited [on the professional stage]. When I used to play, during national meets, I always looked forward to playing against the teams of Iloilo and Bacolod. For tomorrow’s game, it’ll be a showcase of talent, not only of Fil-foreign talent, but for a lot of players who play in this region.”