Camelo Tacusalme Shines in Iloilo The center back was in fine form in his Iloilo debut, providing the foundation for a big win over the Davao Aguilas.

Although goal scorers normally get the plaudits after a victory, last weekend’s win over the Davao Aguilas was a different story. Showcasing extraordinary grit and discipline over 90 minutes, the match instead, shined a light on Kaya FC–Iloilo’s defense — particularly center back Camelo Tacusalme, who was named Man of the Match after the grueling contest.

Aside from repelling the incessant aerial bombardment from the towiering Aguilas, Tacusalme made two vital interventions to deny clear goal scoring opportunities. The first stop came in the first half, with Camelo clearing Matt Hartmann’s chipped effort off the line. In the second period, Phil Younghusband latched onto a low cross right in front of goal, but Tacusalme expertly smothered the attempt.

“Camelo really saved us in the first half. They could’ve scored first, but Camelo was there to deny them. The eagerness to win was a factor, and Camelo really worked hard, not just in the first half, but in the second half as well,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida.

The match was Tacusalme’s first outing in Iloilo, having missed the club’s Iloilo Sports Complex debut back in May due to suspension. Although he reveled in the atmosphere, he admitted there were some nerves heading into the contest, especially with his wife’s family in the stands.

“It’s nice, and nakakakaba kasi damo tao, and Iloilo to, family to ng wife ko. Nandito sila, nanonood. Happy ako kasi diehard ang mga tao sa football dito,” he said.

(It’s nice, and nerve-racking because there’s a lot of people, and this is Iloilo, where my wife’s family is from. They’re here, watching. I’m happy because people are diehard about football here,” he said.

On the back of two consecutive wins in Iloilo, Kaya now prepare for the challenge of the defending champions, Ceres Negros, who they face on Saturday, June 9, at 4pm.

“Camelo knows that with this Man of the Match, it will help to motivate him. He knows we have more important games than this, and I’m looking forward to another great performance from him,” said Marcaida.

Tacusalme, meanwhile is hoping the Iloilo crowd helps bring out the best from the team.

“For all the fans here in Iloilo, thank you gid sa suporta, kag sa pag kagto every time may game ang Kaya. And hopefully sa June 9 mas damo pa gid ang malantaw. Mahatag kami sang pinaka best namin against Ceres,” he said.

(“For all the fans here in Iloilo, thank you so much for the support, and for coming every time Kaya has a game. And hopefully, on June 9, even more come to watch. We’ll give our very best against Ceres,” he said)