Kaya FC-Iloilo’s Long-Awaited Return to Training Kaya's preseason has kicked off at the Blue Pitch in Circuit Makati.

After securing all the necessary approvals, Kaya FC-Iloilo have officially begun preparations for their biggest match yet: the AFC Champions League (ACL) Preliminary against Australia’s Brisbane Roar FC.

The club received the green light to start training following the venue’s inspection by officials from the Philippines Football League (PFL) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB). With Circuit Makati’s health and safety protocols meeting the necessary standards to safely operate amidst a pandemic, the City of Makati provided the final go-signal, paving the way for the safe resumption of Kaya’s preseason training.

The ACL preliminary round is slated for April 7, leaving Kaya a little over a month to prepare for their most momentous match to date. Should they pull off the upset, they’ll progress to the Playoff Round a week later, where another win would seal access to the coveted Group Stage. Conditioning will be crucial, and the approval to begin training in earnest couldn’t have come sooner.

Present at the team’s first training session were recently retained youngsters Marco Casambre, Daizo Horikoshi and Dylan de Bruycker, as well as Maco duo Arnel Amita and Eric Giganto. Zach Banzon and Louie Michael Casas suited up for the goalkeepers, while mainstays Jovin Bedic, Marwin Angeles, Camelo Tacusalme, Shirmar Felongco, and Audie Menzi were present as well. Simone Rota is set to join the next session, while Carlyle Mitchell, and Kenshiro Daniels are expected in the coming weeks as well.

Back in the city where the club was originally founded, Kaya can now officially begin preparing to make history. They’ll be representing not just Iloilo and Makati, but all of the Philippines as they fight to gate crash the pinnacle of Asian football.