Kaya FC-Iloilo Signs Azkals Defender Mar Diano The Philippines National Team Player & ADT Standout finds a new home with Iloilo.

Kaya FC-Iloilo is excited to announce their first acquisition of the 2022 Offseason: Mar Vincent Diano. Once a staple of the U-19 and U-23 squads, he made his Senior Team debut last year during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers—cementing his status as one the most exciting up-and-coming players in the country.

Formerly a striker for the University of the East, Diano was deployed as a center back during his time with the U-19’s. He’s since made the full transition to defender, continuing to play the position in both his national team and club career.

“We’re very excited to add another young promising Filipino center back into our group,” said Kaya President & GM Paul Tolentino. “I’m eager to see how he gels with the team and whether or not he can win a spot.”

Going into his fourth year as a pro, Mar started out with Mendiola FC 1991 in 2019. This was followed by him being recruited into the Azkals Development Team, for whom he played from 2020-2021. On both the international and domestic level, he’s displayed great technical ability, defensive awareness, and a knack for headers off set pieces.

His last appearance for ADT actually came against Kaya during the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final last November. The tense battle not only ended with Iloilo coming home with the silverware, but also left an impression on the Masbate native and aided his decision on where to sign.

“Naisip ko nun, ito na ang pagkakataon ko para makapaglaro sa Kaya. Inisip ko na madami din opportunity dito para pa mag-step up ang laro ko,” Diano revealed. “Masaya din kasi makakasama ko na rin ang coach ko dati sa UE na si Coach Fitch [Johnson] Arboleda.”

The Arboleda brothers: Fitch Florence and Fitch Johnson—who signed with Kaya in 2021—were brought on as co-head coaches for the Red Warriors during Mar’s sophomore year. In a turn of events, the teacher and student have now reunited as teammates and will share the pitch together for the yellow and black.

For a team gearing up to fight their way back into AFC Champions League, the 24 year-old defender is a welcome injection of talent to Kaya’s backline—especially considering Marco Casambre’s time away on loan. Ready to take on this challenge, Diano let fans know exactly what he’ll be bringing to the table.

“Expect lang nila na bigay ko ang 110% effort ko on the field. Una Kaya!”