Kaya FC–Makati Eager to Defend Home Turf Against Rivals Meralco Manila

Kaya FC–Makati and Meralco Manila are ramping up preparations for their first derby in the Philippines Football League. Points aside, both clubs are aware that pride for club and city are on the line, and are expecting a physically challenging contest on Saturday, June 17, at the University of Makati Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled at 4:00pm.

“I think it’s going to be another difficult game for us, against a team who have won all their games for the moment,” said Marwin Angeles “Being a new player [to Kaya] and having this kind of derby — Makati and Manila — it’s going to be an exciting game for sure.”

Much like Angeles, fresh Meralco signing, Tyler Matas, is new to the rivalry between the two clubs. But unlike Marwin, Saturday will be the defender’s first taste of action against Kaya.

“From what I heard, Kaya is going to be very physical, so expect a lot of intensity from both teams. But don’t expect us to lower our play, just because they’re being more physical,” he said.

Makati has remained unbeaten at home so far in the PFL, with two wins and a draw. And while Saturday’s game is seen as a clash between rivals, Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida feels the opposition is irrelevant when it comes to matches at the University of Makati Stadium.

“It’s not only against Meralco Manila [that we prepare hard]. Every time we play on our home turf, we make sure to protect it,” he said.

Meralco head into the match on top of the standings, with 12 points from four matches.

“It’s going to be a good game this Saturday. We’re hoping to have a good match against Kaya, who is a counter attacking team,” said Manila head coach Aris Caslib. “We want to manage those things when we play against them, and we’re hoping for a good result.”

Meanwhile, Kaya FC–Makati is currently second in the table, with 10 points from five matches.

“Meralco has been a team who physically, has always been strong. Their defense has always been difficult to break down. But I think we can get the win if we play the way we’ve been playing,” added Angeles.

Individual game tickets and Season Passes to watch all Kaya FC–Makati home games can be purchased at any time through SM Tickets, or at the main entrance of the University of Makati Stadium during matches. Saturday’s derby will be televised live on PTV 4.