Kaya FC-Iloilo One Step Closer to Historic First PFL Title Season sweep of Maharlika complete, Kaya find themselves on the precipice of domestic glory.

Three small points for Kaya, one giant leap for Iloilo’s title push. An impressive 5-1 victory against Maharlika Manila over the weekend has put the LBC-backed side on the verge of being crowned league champions for the first time in club history.

The men in black got off to a roaring start, putting together an attack that was fluid, varied, and diverse; a quality display that featured five different goalscorers. 

Dylan Nobiraki and Tamon Horikoshi got the ball rolling, followed by Fitch Arboleda scoring his long-awaited first for the yellow and black. Jovin Bedic fired in a pretty strike off the top post just before the half, while Daizo Horikoshi completed the Japanese trio’s jackpot in the scoresheet after the break. 

“Our first half was a really great performance,” noted Head Coach Yu Hoshide. “Especially since we’ve been out a long time—we didn’t have a game for three weeks.” 

“But the second half—especially the last 20 minutes—we struggled a little bit. We relaxed and the quality wasn’t there, so we have to fix that for the next game,” he added, knowing the job isn’t done just yet.

Zach Banzon’s clean sheet was spoiled off a Maharlika counter midway through the second period, but the team’s spirits couldn’t be dampened now that they’re one point away from clinching the title. 

“Of course we’re really excited, but what we have to do is the same. We handle training first, then we have to win against Stallion next Saturday,” stated Coach Yu, focused on the task at hand.  

Kaya FC Academy product Nathan Bata made his professional debut in this game, checking in for a brief stint that included a top corner free-kick save. 

“It just feels really incredible,” said the young goalkeeper in his post-match interview. “Stepping onto the field, it’s just a rush of excitement.” 

“When I started playing football, it was always a dream of mine that one day I’ll finally play on the field at the pro level—and making that save at the end just put the icing on the cake,” he added. 

“I’m really thankful to everyone for always pushing me to reach this level, and I’m happy to finally make my debut,” Bata concluded. “Moving forward of course, the most important thing is that we win the title next week.”

Should Stallion Laguna FC fail to pick up points during their trip to Cebu, Kaya’s magical season all comes down to the final match at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on May 27. 

 

Player Spotlight: 

Daizo Does it Again
The Philippines Football League’s premier goal contributor remains at the top of his game, his tally now up to 15 goals and 18 assists. By his own prolific standards, this was a quiet affair for Horikoshi—but even then he manages to put up one of each. A perfect cross to Dylan Nobiraki early in the game turned the oven’s heat up, and a statement goal in the second half provided the icing on Kaya’s five-goal cake.

Bedic’s Baaaack
The Captain’s impact could be felt from the opening whistle. He provided a steady playmaking presence at the tip of the spear, while leading the team’s press through all 90 minutes. Of course, a forward’s job is to put the ball in the back of the net—and Jovin’s added-time strike was a stunning display of his finishing prowess.  

Pick Your Passing Poison 
Iloilo found joy on offense in a variety of ways, best exemplified by the assists provided by Jhan Melliza and Audie Menzi. The La Paz native dealt his damage in the final third with quick decision-making and short passes, while the Benquet baller pinged long balls from deep feeding the wings. Short or long-range, pick your poison.