To say that the Philippines Football League has had a tumultuous off-season is an understatement.
Two clubs have ceased operations; players have transferred between local and foreign clubs, and now one of Philippine football’s historical clubs has a new home.
In an Instagram post, Kaya Football Club has announced its transfer from Makati to Iloilo for the upcoming season of the country’s professional football league.
“It’s a new challenge but we’re excited to play our home game in Iloilo as everyone knows it’s the football hotbed of the country historically,” shared head coach Noel Marcaida.
“It’s an honor being a coach of Kaya FC to represent Iloilo in the second PFL season.”
Kaya will now be the third PFL team to play in the Visayas after Ceres-Negros and Global Cebu. As Iloilo’s new club, Marcaida looks forward to clashes with Negros’ Ceres.
“Looking forward for the Visayas Clasico and [it’s] surely one of the reasons why the second PFL season is going to be exciting,” he shared.
The Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City is set to be Kaya’s home turf for the forthcoming PFL season, which will begin on March 3, 2018. One of the potential challenges for Kaya, though, will be the loss of the Metro Manila-based Ultras Kaya fan group in the club’s home games.
Nonetheless, Marcaida is confident that the group will still be able to maintain its support of the club since the 2015 UFL Cup winners will still play against the Luzon-based teams in the league.
“Sa Iloilo, of course we expect na marami ang manonood ng game kasi historically football hotbed yun.
“Of course, the support from Ilonggos and Ultras Kaya for the upcoming season will help Kaya FC reach our objective,” added the former La Salle Green Hills coach.
Kaya finished third after the elimination round in the 2017 season. They were then knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual champions Ceres.
With the loss of Meralco, and Ilocos United’s leave of absence from the 2018 season, Kaya will be one of the six remaining teams that will compete, alongside Ceres, Global, Davao Aguilas, Stallion Laguna, and JPV-Marikina.
Amidst the highs and lows of Philippine club football, it is great to see one of country’s biggest clubs evolve in this challenging climate.
