Kaya Makati and Meralco Manila Renew Rivalry in UMak Tussle

Kaya Makati are set to host fierce rivals, Meralco Manila, on Saturday afternoon, in what will be their third meeting in the Philippines Football League. The match is between clubs who represent cities in close proximity, and is also between the current top two teams in the PFL standings. Manila has the upper hand so far this season, sitting higher up in the table, and with already two wins over the hosts.

“With regards to the morale of the team, the intensity in training is very high, so the morale is okay. Looking forward to the game, I think Meralco has been very consistent. It shows in their results from the previous seven matches, they’re undefeated. Coach Aris has been able to establish a defensive structure for Meralco. For tomorrow’s game, it’s a test of consistency for both clubs,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida.

Makati has won their last two games, and are looking to snap Manila’s run of seven games unbeaten — a streak that Aris Caslib attributes to a solid togetherness in his camp.

“I think it’s teamwork,” said the Meralco head coach on the reason behind the team’s success. “It’s having great ambition, and working together.”

Already rivals before the PFL came together, there’s a special type of anticipation for a Kaya-Meralco match. Heading into Saturday’s contest, the home side will be particularly eager to take points off a familiar adversary.

“These are the games that everyone enjoys the most,” said Kaya midfielder Antonio Ugarte. “Derby matches are always the best. There’s something about Kaya and Meralco games — there’s always going to be something interesting.”

“Both teams go out with good intensity. Kaya, what I’ve noticed, is this they don’t like to lose to us, so we’re going to give it all we’ve got,” said Meralco’s Tyler Matas, who’s set to play in his third ever derby. “We just have to be organized, which is what we do, and find a way to win.”

The highly anticipated clash will kickoff at 4pm, at the University of Makati.

Tickets are available via SM Tickets: https://www.smtickets.com/events/view/5720
Field Side: P20
Grand Stand: 350
*Tickets are also available at the venue on Game Day.