Vikings FC acquires Maharlika FC

c/o Vikings FC

Vikings FC shared their English language release of their decision to take over PFL side Maharlika FC. Details can be read below.

Taiwanese football club Vikings FC (VFC) has officially completed the acquisition of 100% ownership of Philippine club Maharlika FC, marking a new era for the team as it looks to elevate its performance in the Philippines Football League (PFL) where it currently sits at 9th place as the first round ends.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Vikings FC will take full control of Maharlika FC's operations, ensuring financial stability and strategic development as the club moves forward. Maharlika will be retaining its players on contract, while welcoming a significant number of players from VFC on loan.

Strengthening the Squad with VFC Players

To reinforce Maharlika FC’s roster for the remainder of the season, Vikings FC will loan several key players to the club, bringing experience and skill to enhance Maharlika’s competitiveness in the PFL, whilst providing the Taiwan players valuable game experience. The loaned players will integrate into the squad immediately, with the goal of boosting the club’s performance and securing positive results in the league.

Speaking on the acquisition, Chen,Huang-Teng, Vikings FC's team leader, stated: 

"We are excited to embark on this new journey with Maharlika FC and to contribute to the growth of football in the Philippines and Taiwan. Our immediate focus is to strengthen the squad through the loan of our talented players and to work closely with the team to achieve their goals for the remainder of the season. We believe this partnership will bring mutual benefits and elevate the level of football in both Taiwan and the Philippines."

Maharlika FC’s former owner, Anton del Rosario, also expressed his optimism for the club’s future:

"We are thrilled to see Maharlika FC take this next step under the leadership of Vikings FC. This transition ensures the club's continued growth and stability, and we are confident that the support from Vikings FC will help the team reach new heights in the PFL."

A New Vision for Maharlika FC

With Vikings FC at the helm, Maharlika FC will undergo strategic enhancements aimed at improving player development, operational efficiency, and fan engagement. The club will continue to play its home matches in the PFL while adopting best practices from VFC’s successful football model in Taiwan.

They have appointed as Head Coach Jung Donggyu, former Korea Youth National Team player and AFC “A” license holder. As a collegiate player Coach Donggyu won multiple championships with the Far Eastern University and most recently served as an assistant coach at Stallion Laguna FC.

The Vikings FC management is committed to upholding the values and heritage of Maharlika FC while introducing modern techniques and resources to advance the club’s competitiveness both domestically and regionally.

Fans can expect exciting updates as Vikings FC works towards revitalizing Maharlika FC’s brand and performance on the pitch. For viewers in Taiwan, they can watch Maharlika FC’s matches live on matchday.ph.

Esteban named as Maharlika Manila FC’s new head coach

Maharlika Manila FC

Maharlika Manila FC is set to change things up in their current Philippines Football League campaign, making a change in their head coaching responsibilities.

Arman "Biboy" Esteban has been named as the new gaffer for the team, replacing Derick Keongil Kim after seven straight defeats to start off the current campaign.

Esteban played for the University of Santo Tomas, also serving as an assistant to current Tiger Booters mentor Marjo Allado. He also helmed Mapua's football program in the NCAA.

Lauren Bidias has also been tapped to serve as Esteban's assistant.

Aside from Esteban, Maharlika also revealed that they have snapped up three players that they believe they can help get the team going in defenders Lawrence Baguio and Alimar Job Ambong, as well as midfielder Jappeth Piñero.

All three players have Visayan roots and collegiate football experience in Manila.

Baguio is from Cebu and played for the College of Saint Benilde, with Ambong (Dumaguete) and Piñero (Bacolod) are Negrenses who were teammates at National University.

All three have national team experience, with the latter two also represented the Philippines in the AFF Under-19 Championships in Vietnam. Ambong had additional experience representing the country at the Under-18 level at Cambodia.

Baguio, on the other hand, was called up for national team duty in the 2019 AFF Under-22 campaign in Cambodia, as well as the 2020 AFC U23 qualifiers in Malaysia.

Maharlika hopes the new additions will help change the fortunes of the side, which is coming off a 1-0 defeat to Cebu FC earlier this week.

The club will face off against United City on October 1 after the international break.