Kaya FC-Iloilo’s 2021 Squad is Taking Shape Ahead of their continental run, who can we expect to see on the pitch for Kaya this season?

With the offseason coming to a close and training camp well under way, we can already see the foundation of Kaya FC-Iloilo’s 2021 roster. With the prospect of the AFC Champions League Qualifier fast approaching, it’s time to see who will be rocking the yellow and black this year.

First off, the club would like to express gratitude to the players that have decided to part ways with Kaya during the offseason. Defenders Jalsor Soriano (34) and Chy Villaseñor (26)—both played four years with the club— have chosen to enlist in the Philippine Army. They were both key members of Kaya’s backline, and the club wishes them the best in their service.

Also leaving the squad after three years is defender/midfielder Mike Menzi (27). The FEU standout came through the Kaya  B-Team and pushed his way into the main roster, where he showed promise in multiple positions.

Lastly, forward Emmanuel Osei (28) has also decided to take his talents elsewhere after his lone season in Iloilo. He showed resilience in battling an early injury, but last year’s shortened format meant he had limited opportunities to showcase his talent in Kaya colors. The club wishes the both of them the best of luck in their next chapter.

As for the players that have chosen to stay with the team, here’s what the squad looks like as of today.

The competition for the goalkeeper position will be one to keep an eye on, as Louie Michael Casas (34) and Zach Banzon (24) vie to impress in between the sticks.

On the defensive end, the centerback rotation remains solid. Carlyle Mitchell (33) is currently in the process of returning to the country, while Simone Rota (36), Audie Menzi (26), and Camelo Tacusalme (31) have already reported to camp.

The club has also retained fullbacks Shirmar Felongco (27) and promising youngster Marco Casambre (22). Despite the departures of Soriano & Villaseñor, the backline will still have several veterans to lean on in the coming matches.

Kaya’s midfield presently consists of club stalwarts Marwin Angeles (30), Arnel Amita (25), as well as Masanari Omura (36) who is currently still in Japan.

Meanwhile, the club’s attacking force currently features team captain Jovin Bedic (30), spark plug Eric Giganto (26), winger Daizo Horikoshi (24), and the versatile Dylan de Bruycker (23), with the ever-dynamic Kenshiro Daniels (26) expected to report to camp soon.

There’s still some time before the final roster is decided, meaning Kaya can still fill in the positions of need before things get busy in April. Whoever these reinforcements are, we’ll just have to wait and see in the coming weeks, or maybe days.