Kaya FC-Makati Aims to Notch First PFL Win In Front of Home Fans

Noel Marcaida and Kenshiro Daniels for Kaya FC

Later tonight, 7pm, Kaya Futbol Club-Makati will be back in action in the Philippines Football League (PFL) in front of their home fans in the University of Makati. After a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the campaign, the team is eager to treat its fans to its first victory in the country’s national league. In their way is a young but tough Davao Aguilas side that is also searching for their first win of the season.

“Going into this game we’re really looking forward to our first three points on our home turf,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida, who described Saturday’s opponents as “a mixture of young talented players and experienced players.”

Kaya FC-Makati has enjoyed a two-week break since its opening day outing, where new signing Marwin Angeles leveled the score against Ceres-Negros FC. The extended rest has ensured the team is healthy and raring to go ahead of their second home match in the PFL.

“Because we were given ample time to prepare for this match, everyone can play 100%,” said Marcaida on his team’s fitness. “I think our advantage going into this game is we have players that can play different positions, and we’re playing on our home turf. The fans are our 12th man on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Davao opened their season with a 1-1 draw at Ilocos United, then lost at home, 3-2, to JPV-Marikina.

“They gave JPV-Marikina a good game, they pushed them all the way to the end. The draw against Ilocos wasn’t a bad result either, so we’re expecting a tough game,” said Kaya player Kenshiro Daniels. “We’ve trained hard these past couple of weeks just to get prepared for this game and hopefully we come out with the win.”

Aguilas assistant coach Lalas Carreon is prepared for a tough test in their first match in Metro Manila, particularly with the boisterous Makati crowd expected to create a challenging atmosphere. But he believes his young side have what it takes to shock the club that boasts of a history that dates back to 1996.

“They’re a strong team. They have two foreign players up front (Jordan Mintah and Robert Lopez Mendy) that are very deadly, so we are preparing our back line for that. The advantage is with them because they’re playing on their pitch. Our team is just three months old but we are ready to compete,” said Carreon.