Kaya FC to Face Mendiola’s Brave Men in Manila Return PFL 2023 — Iloilo look to sweep the season series and extend their seven-game undefeated streak.

Kaya FC-Iloilo vs Mendiola FC 1991
Sunday, April 23, 2023 | 4:00 PM Kickoff
Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila

Three games left in the season, three match days left to seal the deal and bring home the club’s first-ever Philippines Football League title. After drawing last week’s thrilling Visayas Clasico, Kaya FC-Iloilo look to get back to winning ways this weekend against Mendiola FC 1991. 

Iloilo had little time to celebrate keeping hold of their place atop the standings because the team immediately boarded a flight back to Manila. Despite the short week due to travel, the squad was as energetic as ever upon their return from Cebu.

“At the beginning of the week, I thought the players would still be tired from the tough game and the travel,” admitted Head Coach Yu Hoshide. “But from mid-week onwards, the enthusiasm in training increased for this next game against Mendiola—the players showed us very high intensity practices.”

After battling their regional rival under intense heat and a hostile crowd, last week’s result left a bittersweet taste in the team’s mouth. 

“It was disappointing that we couldn’t get all three points, but I appreciate that the players gave 100% from the beginning of the game—even in very hot weather,” praised Hoshide. “I think we need to work on how to respond when the game calms down, including myself.”

With the heated derby in the rear view mirror, Kaya must shift their focus to the remaining three challenges ahead—beginning with this feisty Mendiola side. 

“The day before the match, the players were very motivated and able to practice with high quality, so I hope we can proceed with the match as before without any particular fervor.” Coach Yu noted. 

The last meeting between the two sides was a brilliant 4-0 win for the LBC-backed club. In fact, a win here would complete the series sweep. The boys best remain vigilant, however, because it wouldn’t be the first time the Brave Men played spoiler to a title run near the end of the season. 

“We had a slow start in the last game against Mendiola, so I hope that tomorrow they will be able to switch on and fight hard from kickoff,” stated Hoshide.

Tickets are available at the gate, for P200 and P100. All Kaya Academy players and children under 7 years old enter for free. Kickoff’s at 4:00 PM, and you can also catch the livestream on the PFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages!