Kaya FC kicks off AFC Cup campaign vs Kitchee SC

Kaya FC players in practice. Photo c/o Kaya FC

Kaya FC is set to take its next step in its club history, as the legendary Filipino side will kick off its first-ever continental campaign tonight against Hong Kong side Kitchee for the AFC Cup.

The UFL side secured its berth by claiming the UFL Cup in a sensational upset of Ceres-La Salle FC back in late August. Ceres, which secured the other Filipino berth in the AFC Cup by winning the United Football League in dominant fashion, will also be set to kick off its campaign against Malaysian side Selangor FA that same night at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.

For head coach Chris Greatwich, he sees this as a "tremendous honor" for Kaya FC to be representing the Philippines in international competition. He adds, "I think largely we've underachieved in domestic competition. Last season, in the [UFL] Cup, we put our best foot forward. I think we put in some really good displays. And I think we're well worthy of representing the UFL in the competition."

Kaya FC head coach Chris Greatwich. Photo c/o Kaya FC

Regarding their opposition, Chris expects a challenging atmosphere, noting that Kitchee are the favorites on paper to qualify, as well as that the team has had experience in this kind of competition, with a number of players currently on the Hong Kong national team set-up.

The former Philippine international is excited with the possible prospects of pulling off an upset, noting that the team embraces the challenge of starting their campaign by going into the lion's den, adding that, "If we're well prepared and we go into the game with confidence, I don't see why we can't, on the day, produce what some people may see as a shock."

Aside from Kitchee SC, Kaya FC will also face S-League side Balestier Khalsa and Maldives side New Radiant SC in Group F. The latter will be the first team that Kaya FC faces at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, slated on March 8.

The Kaya FC-Kitchee SC matchup will be telecast LIVE on FOX Sports & FOX Sports HD at 745pm, with a replay telecast on Sports+Action slated the next day.

As for the Ceres-La Salle FC vs Selangor FA matchup, it will be shown LIVE on Sports+Action at 7pm, with coverage starting at 645pm. A replay telecast is scheduled on FOX Sports at 1130pm.