Kaya FC and FC Meralco Manila duel for PFL leadership

Curt Dizon of FC Meralco Manila evades Kaya's Kenshiro Daniels

With the Philippines Football League's inaugural season getting closer to its conclusion, FC Meralco Manila and Kaya FC-Makati are headed for a collision course in the premier matchup on Saturday night.

The Sparks are fresh from a walkover victory over Ilocos United, as the PFL sanctioned the latter for non-compliance of the Franchise Agreement. Although they secured the three points that officially formalized their entry into the Finals Series, that was only their second victory in their last six matches, reflecting an uneven form that has eaten away at their strong start to the season.

In contrast, Kaya is fresh from a 2-0 victory against Davao Aguilas FC at the Davao del Sur Sports Complex this past Wednesday, their fifth in the last six matches, and in the process became the second team in the Finals Series. One of those five wins was against these same Sparks, a 2-1 victory at the University of Makati that featured a late winner from Eric Giganto.

As a result, Kaya are now just one point behind the lead with 47 points, although they have played a couple more matches than FC Meralco Manila.

Kickoff for this matchup is at 7pm at Rizal Memorial Stadium, with tickets available at the gate for PhP 20 in bleachers, PhP 50 in grandstand, and PhP 200 in VIP.

Those who are cannot be at Rizal Memorial can check out this streaming link below:



Here are some quips that came from the pre-match press conference:

Kaya FC-Makati head coach Noel Marcaida:

• This is a chance for us to regain the top spot.
• We have had a tough schedule. Three games in eight days. But we are happy to play Davao, because they play similar to Meralco. This gives us a chance to adjust. 
• Our players will have time to recover before our last regular season game on November 18.
• We need to challenge the back three of Meralco. You really have to make good runs to confuse the back line.

FC Meralco Manila head coach Aris Caslib:

• Our advantage is we will be fresh. But we have to capitalize on our rest and stop their transition.
• We have to stop their side players and mid players. A high percentage of their balls go to the right so we have to address that. We also have to address set pieces and balls from right to left.

FC Meralco striker Connor Tacagni:

• We are looking forward to playing it.
• Over the last two games Kaya have gotten good results. If we stay focused we will get the 3 points.

Kaya FC - Makati defender Kenshiro Daniels:

• It's a derby and we are up for it.
• The travel has been difficult but the team looks fit. We need to prepare for this like any other game and work hard.