Masa Omura Excited and Ready to Savor the Final Masanari Omura is hoping tomorrow's final will be another cup final to savor at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Masanari Omura has had a tremendous 2018 season. At 34 years of age, the Japanese center back has managed to feature in every single Kaya FC–Iloilo match this year, while picking up only a single booking throughout the campaign. On Saturday afternoon, he steps foot on the Rizal Memorial Stadium looking to add another Cup Final victory to his seven-year Kaya FC career, and with it, another run in the AFC Cup.

The path to glory won’t be easy, however. Standing in the way are the star-studded Davao Aguilas bannered by the Younghusband brothers. Although Iloilo have only been beaten once by Davao this year, the Aguilas have been on a tear as of late. Unbeaten in 11 matches, and having won against Kaya’s last two opponents by a combined scoreline of 10-1, Saturday’s opposition carry plenty of confidence heading into the first ever Copa Paulino Alcantara final. Omura, though, isn’t paying too much attention.

“If they beat them (JPV Marikina) 6-1 or whatever, it doesn’t matter, we don’t care. We’re just focused on the final. I don’t care about anything that happened before that. I’m only thinking about playing one game, giving everything we have, and getting the win,” he said.

One player who has been in the spotlight is Kim Sung Min. The towering Korean forward fired in four goals in the semifinals, and will be one of Masa’s main threats to deal with.

“I think he’s a good player. I’ve played against him in two games in the league. He’s good in the air and he’s got good technique. But I play against Jordan (Mintah) all the time. He’s big and powerful in the air also, so it’s fine for me,” Omura shrugged. “They have good players, many national team players, but we do everything as one team. Our focus is on teamwork, not on individual players.”

Masa also pointed at the fact that Kaya can draw from their heart-stopping UFL Cup triumph in 2015 that gave the club its first taste of AFC Cup football.

“We’ve already played in a final so that’s big for us,” he said. “In 2015, for the UFL Cup we were winning 2-0, then it became 2-2, and then penalties. 120 minutes and penalties — I really enjoyed playing every minute.”

Despite the stakes and the level of opposition, there’s no hint of anxious energy from Masa, only excitement at what is expected to be a showcase of the highest level of Philippine football. 

“I’m excited to play in the final tomorrow. I really just want to enjoy the football. I hope a big crowd comes, especially the Ultras Kaya. I don’t know if fans from Iloilo will be coming, but we have plenty of fans here as well, so I hope they come and support us,” he smiled.