Kaya FC Seek a Visayas Clasico Victory to Pull Away in PFL Title Race PFL 2023 — Separated by just two points, first-place Kaya take on second-place Cebu on their home turf with the season on the line.

Iloilo versus Cebu. First versus Second. The fourth and final Visayas Clasico of the 2022-23 Philippines Football League season is upon us, and it all comes down to this. An away fixture in front of a sold out Cebuano crowd with the league trophy and an AFC Champions League berth in the balance; this match is a must-win for the yellow and black.

The previous two derby matchups went the Gentle Giants’ way, leaving Kaya on the backfoot heading into Sunday. Head Coach Yu Hoshide has long deliberated what adjustments his squad needs in order to overcome this challenge.

“Tomorrow is a really important game for us, and it will be a real battle once again—we’re going to have to fight for this win,” Hoshide stated. 

“We have to make our adjustments well; but more than tactics, we need to show more fighting spirit than our opponents. We need to fight together as one family, that’s the simple key for tomorrow’s game,” Coach added.

With only four games left, there are big picture implications for whichever side wins this match—the victor placing themselves firmly in the driver’s seat of the PFL title race and its continental reward at the end. 

“The prize for the champion is to get into the Champions League: the highest level that you can play in Asia,” noted Team Manager Jing Jamlang. “Also, if we win, we give ourselves the opportunity to win our first ever league title. For it to be played here in Cebu with all the dynamics we have currently in play, it’s the biggest game of the season by far.” 

The players know exactly what’s at stake for the club in tomorrow’s match; but rather than be pressured, the players are aware of that challenge and looking forward to it. 

“As Coach said, it’s a really important game for us; not only for the league title but also because of the big prize for the champions after,” affirmed defender Audie Menzi.  

“Siyempre excited kaming lahat, ang laki ng nakataya dito kasi para sa [AFC] Champions League. Gusto ulit namin maramdaman yung feeling ng pressure ng competition doon,” Menzi added. “Nandoon pa rin yung pressure, pero mas gigil pa rin at talagang eager manalo kasi sobrang kailangan namin ito.” 

“When there are fans in the stands, even if we are the away team, our players will be especially excited to play more—excited to show more,” Coach Yu stated. “This is our chance to show that we are better than them, and I expect all our players to show everyone what we can do.”

In a hostile environment against a team that’s already beaten them twice, the fans are in for a truly exciting match as Iloilo gear up for their biggest test of the season. 

“This is it, this is everything; so expect everything from the squad. This is the biggest game we have this season, and expect Kaya to empty everything we have in the tank,” proclaimed Jamlang.

“If you are a fan of football, this is the very best that Philippine club football has to offer. It’s a huge game with huge implications—it should have quality on the pitch, a little bit of drama, and a lot of intensity; everything that one could want from a competitive match. We appreciate you guys and hope to see you on Sunday!”

Tickets to see the match live are already sold out, but you can still catch the livestream on the PFL’s Facebook and YouTube pages! Una Kaya!