Kaya FC–Makati Relishes Prospect of Packed Panaad Stadium against Ceres Negros

Kaya FC–Makati arrived in Bacolod City today, ahead of their scheduled match against Ceres Negros in the Philippines Football League. The game takes place tomorrow, 7pm, at the renowned Panaad Stadium, a venue well known for its vibrant atmosphere.

With a sizable and boisterous crowd expected to turn out on Saturday, Kaya is welcoming the prospect of playing in front of passionate opposition supporters.

“Ceres might have the advantage playing in front of their home support,” said Makati head coach Noel Marcaida, “But it’s always great to play with a big crowd. It’s a great chance to showcase your talent away from home.”

Motivation will certainly not be lacking for either team, as both sides are coming from defeats in their last PFL outings — Kaya to Meralco Manila, and Ceres to JPV Marikina. Negros also suffered a loss in the Singapore Cup a couple of days ago, ensuring the Visayan powerhouse will be looking forward to utilizing home support to get back to winning ways.

“We didn’t have a lot time to prepare for the game, but I’m one hundred percent sure my team will give one hundred percent tomorrow,” said Ceres head coach Risto Vidakovic. “After the JPV result, this is the most important game of the last month.” 

The match marks the first visit back to Bacolod for Jayson Panhay, Jalsor Soriano, Marwin Angeles, and Marvin Angeles since the four departed from Ceres last year.

“I’m happy to be playing my former team, but we want to win. We want to show them they made a mistake [releasing us].” said Panhay, a San Carlos native who spent his college days in Bacolod’s University of St. La Salle, before going on to play for Ceres for five years.

Kaya last faced Ceres in the season opener back in May, a match that ended 1-1 at the University of Makati Stadium. Since sharing the spoils, Makati has managed three wins and two defeats to sit in fourth place, while Negros has won one and lost one — good enough for fifth place, with four points. Ceres has only played three matches in the PFL, due to a busy AFC Cup schedule.