Kaya FC–Iloilo Seeking to Break Rizal Memorial Stadium Curse in Davao Aguilas Rematch Can Kaya FC–Iloilo finally get that elusive Rizal Memorial Stadium win?

Davao Aguilas vs Kaya FC–Iloilo
4pm | Saturday | June 23, 2018
Rizal Memorial Stadium

The Rizal Memorial Stadium seems to be cursed ground for Kaya FC–Iloilo. After failing to win a single match at the Manila venue last season, Wednesday’s loss to Davao Aguilas continued the club’s slump at the stadium. Ahead of Saturday’s rematch, Iloilo is eager to break the spell.

“There are loads of factors. Every time we play in Rizal, we don’t seem to have that big rotation. For tomorrow’s game, everyone will be available,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida. “We will do our best to break that curse tomorrow.”

Having served their suspensions, Jovin Bedic should return to bolster Iloilo’s attack, while Camelo Tacusalme is expected to slot back into the center of defense. Davao will be without their regular center back pairing, with Simone Rota suffering an unfortunate injury in last Wednesday’s encounter, and Dennis Villanueva suspended.

“The absence of Bedic in the attacking aspect, that was one factor that we were lacking in the last game. With their two central defenders out of the game, we need to maximize on that with our front two guys,” said Marcaida. “That setback (Wednesday’s loss) gave us the knowledge on how to move forward. It was a lesson for us. It’s going to be an important and interesting game tomorrow.”

Davao is currently riding high on a three-game winning streak, the team’s most successful spell since the club’s inception last year. New coach Leigh Manson, installed five weeks ago, feels the recent performances are a reflection of the Aguilas’ improvement.

“The last game helps us measure our increased performance week by week. We met Kaya five weeks ago, and lost the game. When we met them again, the result went in our favor, so there isn’t much between the teams. Tomorrow is just another chance to see if we can continue the progression we’ve made over the last five weeks,” he said.

With both sides facing off again after just three days, Kaya goalkeeper Zach Banzon is savoring the opportunity to make amends.

“We’re lucky that we get to play them again in such a short amount of time. We feel the need to bounce back, and we’re all hungry to do so.,” he said.