Kaya FC-Iloilo Signs Azkals Midfielder Oskari Kekkonen The Filipino-Finnish Playmaker is bringing his talents to Iloilo.

Kaya FC-Iloilo would like to announce the latest addition to the roster: Oskari Johannes Orevillo Kekkonen. The 22 year-old is a former Finnish Youth International who now plays for the Philippines, making his U-23 and Senior Team debuts in 2021. A gifted passer who’s able to dictate the pace of play, he provides both an immediate boost and a long-term upside to Kaya’s midfield.

“First of all I want to thank the management, especially Paul Tolentino, and the coach Yu Hoshide for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to represent Kaya FC-Iloilo,” Oskari stated. “I feel truly honored for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started!”

“I have high expectations joining the club as I have only heard good and positive things from former and present players,” he added. “You can already see and feel the club’s ambition to be successful nationally and even internationally with the AFC Cup and AFC Champions League campaigns. I am expecting us to give our best and to compete to win every competition we will take part in.”

Born in Kotka, Finland to a Finnish father and a Filipino mother, Kekkonen started his professional career as a 17-year-old for Finnish club Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat, before going on to gain valuable experience playing for several teams at various levels. He was also a member of Finland’s U-18 squad—before switching his allegiance to his mother’s home country after interest in him starting growing in the Philippines.

“Oskari was a player brought to our attention in 2020. We were very intrigued, but of course the challenges of the pandemic made it challenging for us to seal the acquisition,” said Kaya President & GM Paul Tolentino.

Kekkonen made his Philippines U-23 Team debut in the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers last October, followed by his Senior Team debut in the AFF Suzuki Cup last December. At the club level, he suited up for last year’s Azkals Development Team—alongside fellow signing Mar Diano—where he had the chance to face Kaya twice during the Copa Paulino Alcantara.

“Playing against him in 2021 proved that he was indeed a player that fit our playing style and club culture. We are very excited to finally have him in our team for the 2022 season and we are hoping to achieve great things again this year without putting too much pressure on his shoulders,” Tolentino explained.

Possessing great technical ability and an eye for methodical build-ups, the deep-lying playmaker is an encouraging reinforcement following the departures of Dylan de Bruycker & Marwin Angeles. In a message to Kaya’s supporters, Oskari details what he’s got in store for them this coming season.

“I will bring with me great energy with my youth and also the hunger to compete and win everything in our hands. The fans can expect me to give my 100% for this club on and off the field!”