Kaya FC–Iloilo Raring to go for Iloilo Debut

The wait is almost over. 18 days after Kaya FC–Iloilo’s first scheduled match at the Iloilo Sports Complex was canceled, the Province’s football enthusiasts will finally see their club in action. On Sunday, May 20, at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Kaya FC–Iloilo play their first match in their new home, as they host the Davao Aguilas.

“Our first home game, finally. We’re really looking forward to it. Our May 2 match didn’t push through, but rest assured we’ll be having a game at the Iloilo Sports Complex,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida. “It’s going to be a massive game. The outcome tomorrow will create separation at the top of the standings. It’s really important that we get that win.”

With Iloilo’s reputation as the football capital of the Philippines, the match is expected to draw an enthusiastic crowd, one that Davao head coach Marlon Maro is familiar with.

“We’re expecting a full stadium tomorrow. We all know here in Iloilo, it’s a football country. I once played here also as a player, so I know the attitude of the crowd. People understand football, so we’re expecting an electrifying game, with the crowd participating in the match,” he said. “Between Davao and Kaya, it will be a decisive match for both teams.”

Iloilo native Shirmar Felongco, who hails from Calinog, can’t wait to feed off of the supporters.

“They will be a huge help. We will get our extra motivation from them to get the points,” he said. “To everyone who supports Kaya FC, especially to those that showed up even when the last game was canceled, we hope you continue to support us until the end of the season.”

Neither side will be lacking in confidence as both teams are entering tomorrow’s match on the back of victories. Kaya FC–Iloilo is riding a three-game winning streak, with their last victory coming at the expense of defending champions, Ceres Negros. Davao, meanwhile, recently broke a two-game losing skid with a win over JPV Marikina. The last time the two teams met was in March, in Davao, with the Aguilas coming back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw.

With Iloilo’s current run of form, however, Marcaida is hoping Kaya will earn more than just a point in tomorrow’s match.

“Our players have been able to figure out the right formula. We’ve been able to play as a unit. We’ve been able to have that collective effort every time we play, and it showed in the result against Ceres. I think if we play with the same effort and intensity, we will have a good result for tomorrow, “ he said. “We drew in Davao, so it’s going to be a decisive game, a massive one for both sides.”

Tickets to the match are available at SM Tickets outlets (at SM Cinemas), and at the Iloilo Sports Complex entrances on match day. Prices of tickets are P150 for VIP, and P50 for Grandstand. The match will also be streamed live over PFLTV.ph.