Kaya FC–Makati Expecting Entertaining Affair in Ilocos

“I promise you, you can expect a great atmosphere, and that we’ll give you an exciting game,” said Kaya FC–Makati head coach Noel Marcaida at today’s prematch press conference held at Qurino Stadium, in Ilocos Sur.

His side take on Ilocos United at 4:00pm, on Wednesday, marking the club’s first game outside of Metro Manila in the Philippines Football League.

After three matches, the Makati club sits with a 1-1-1 record, with their last match a loss to Global Cebu. The team was set to play JPV Marikina last Saturday, but that contest was postponed due to stadium unavailability.

“The postponement of the JPV game has allowed for more time to recover,” said Marcaida. “It also means, the players that were meant to be suspended, are all available for this game, which has increased the morale of the team.”

Meanwhile, Ilocos United holds a record of one draw and one loss, enough for sixth in the standings. Although Ilocos has only been together for a few months, Kaya club captain Aly Borromeo isn’t taking the new side lightly.

“Ilocos is a fairly new team,” he said. “But we’re not looking at them as a pushover team. It will be a good battle. It’s going to be a good game.”

“There’s no pressure upon us. We’re like the underdog every week,” said United head coach Ian Gillan. “Whereas Kaya will be looking to be among the top three. If they don’t become among the top three teams, their season will be a failure.”