Battle of Iloilo’s Past and Future Kicks off Kaya FC–Iloilo’s Run of Home Games
Wednesday’s 3pm encounter between Kaya FC–Iloilo and Stallion Laguna in the Philippines Football League will be a particularly intriguing contest, as the Iloilo locals will be treated to a battle between the province’s past and future.
Not so long ago, Stallion called Iloilo home. Founded in 2002 in Barotac Nuevo, the club was the region’s pride, as they conquered the former top flight competition, the United Football League, back in 2013. Last year, however, Stallion transferred to Biñan and adopted the name Stallion Laguna, leaving Iloilo without a representative in the country’s new premier football competition, the Philippines Football League. Stallion’s decision to represent Laguna opened the door for Kaya FC to seal a move to Iloilo, where the club has enjoyed an enthralling start to life in the nation’s football capital. Unbeaten in four outings at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Kaya FC–Iloilo has thrived in its new surroundings, and the locals have taken to the club with open arms.
“Every time we play here we just want to play good football. We want all the Ilonggos to be happy watching the game. We want them to feel that every game is worth watching,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida. “We were able to manage the unbeaten record here because, we’re comfortable already. Every time we play here, the atmosphere is different, the Illonggos are different, they really know how to appreciate the game.”
Jayson Panhay, who made his first appearance of the season in last week’s win over JPV Marikina, shared his take on why the team has kicked into higher gear in Iloilo.
“Masaya ako kasi nakapaglaro ako ng 15 minutes, at naka-provide ako ng attempt sa goal, at napakita ko sa mga coach namin na kaya ko maglaro,” he said. “Iba yung impact kapag maraming nanunood sa team at sumusuporta sa team. Maglalaro ka talaga na gusto mong maipakita sa supporters na kaya naming manalo.”
Wednesday’s match will be a bittersweet moment for Stallion captain Ruben Doctora, who hails from Barotac Nuevo, and will be playing in front of family and friends for the first time in a long time. While he admitted there was a sense of disappointment in not being to represent his hometown, he revealed he’s happy and grateful that Iloilo have a team that the younger generation can draw an example from.
“For me, I’m very happy because it’s a long time that I haven’t played on this pitch. We’re happy because we play tomorrow and our families are here supporting us,” he said. “Syempre, hindi mawawala yun (the disappointment) dahil taga dito ako. Pero happy ako dahil mayroong team na bumalik uli dito. At least yung mga young kids makita nila na may future [sa football]. That’s why I’m happy, even if hindi ako makalaro for my town, at my team na dito, this is for the younger generation.”
Tomorrow’s match will be the start of a busy week for Kaya FC–Iloilo, who face league leaders Ceres Negros in consecutive matches shortly after.
“It’s going to be a massive week ahead. Three games in eight days — all crucial matches,” said Marcaida. “It is important for us to get a good result tomorrow to cope up with the points difference, before playing Ceres Negros.”
“But there’s no point thinking about getting six points against Ceres if we lose the three points tomorrow. Before thinking further, we have to manage the three points tomorrow,” he added. “Stallion is the type of team that is very consistent on the counter attack. If we’re able to manage the transitions, we will get a good result.”
Stallion and Kaya have met twice this season, with the last encounter a 4-1 victory for Iloilo. Their first meeting went the way of Laguna, 3-1, in a match played in Biñan. Wednesday’s match will be their third meeting in the PFL.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3pm, with gates opening at the Iloilo Sports Complex at 1pm. Tickets are available at SM Cinemas, and at the stadium entrances on match day. Grandstand tickets are priced at P50, with VIP tickets at P150. The match will be streamed live via PFLTV.ph.
