Kaya FC Look to Impress in Long-Awaited Home Opener PFL 2022 — UCFC Match Preview and Quotes from Captain Jovin Bedic and Coach Yu Hoshide
Kaya have been away for three long years—during which the team went undefeated in a bubble season, embarked on two continental campaigns, and were crowned Copa Paulino Alcantara champions—but the time has finally come for Iloilo’s football club to come home.
In a marquee matchup to cap off Round 2, the club welcomes United City FC to the PFL’s return match at the Iloilo Sports Complex: home of Kaya FC-Iloilo.
Few have been anticipating the return more than captain Jovin Bedic, who can’t wait to once again play in front of the football-crazy community he grew up in.
“Excited kami, siyempre pag naglalaro sa home city namin ng Iloilo. Yung lamang namin siguro bukas ay yung crowd mismo, kase nandito tayo [sa Iloilo]. Kaya gusto ko sana bukas na maraming sumuporta, para makuha ang panalo na’to at nandoon lang tayo sa top ng league,” noted the Barotac Nuevo native.
In a special episode of Back of the Net, the team took a trip to the historic Barotac Nuevo Plaza. As the players and staff were embraced by the amazing people of his hometown, Jovin went into detail about how much football means to them—and that he expects them to come out in force to the game.
“Sana fullpacked yung stadium para mas maganda ang atmosphere. Pumunta kami ng Barotac Nuevo kahapon para nga makakuha ng crowd, at sana makapunta silang lahat at ineexpect namin lahat na maganda talaga yung game bukas,” Bedic hyped.
Kaya have yet to overcome reigning PFL champions UCFC so far this year—recording a draw and two losses against the Tarlac-based side across competitions—but they look to do so now with the help of the home crowd behind them. Head Coach Yu Hoshide is certainly relishing the moment, this being his first match in Iloilo since taking the reins.
“I would like to thank all those who were involved in making this happen in Iloilo, and I want the players to carry the joy of playing in front of their home fans and supporters,” Hoshide stated.
“Home crowds put pressure on their team, but in a good way,” he continued. “The players will also have extra energy from the stadium atmosphere, so playing here is going to be a really good experience to have.”
The number one and two clubs on the league standings are both coming off hotly-contested battles with Stallion Laguna FC. Iloilo had to grind their way to three points after going down to ten men, and put their adaptability and resilience on full display.
“We had a great start against Stallion, but were unable to continue that throughout the entire match. However, we were able to get the three points with hard work; doing so with 10 men from the middle of the second half showed proof of the growth of our players,” Coach Yu professed.
“UCFC also had a good game against Stallion, so I think that they are confident. I also think that both sides will be looking to finish the last game of the year with a win, so tomorrow looks to be an exciting game,” he added.
When asked about his strategy for the upcoming match, the Japanese tactician answered directly and brought up two key points: game management and squad readiness.
“Football is 90 minutes, so we have to manage 90 minutes,” Hoshide began. Especially since the three o’clock kickoff will be really hot, I don’t think anyone can run 100% for all 90 minutes.”
“All our players really need to be ready to play tomorrow. We will decide on the starting lineup that will give us the best chance to win, but that’s just eleven players. We need all twenty players to stay ready in order to win,” he expounded on the importance of depth.
The Clash of the PFL Titans is here, serving as the finale of what has been an eventful calendar year for the yellow and black. Come on down to the Iloilo Sports Complex and take your spot as the 12th man, because we’ll be counting on your unparalleled support to help carry us to victory. After all, Kaya-Iloilo has never lost at home, and we don’t plan on that changing anytime soon.
Kickoff’s at 3:00 PM, but the gates open at 1:00 PM! General Admission is P100, VIP Seats are P150, and the Livestream is available for free on the PFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages!
