REGIONAL rivals Kaya Iloilo and Ceres Negros will be clashing for the fifth time in the 2018 Philippines Football League on Wednesday afternoon at the Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City.
The past four games between the two squads were close. Ceres, the defending champion, and Kaya won once each before settling for draws in their last two encounters.
Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida said he expects another tight game with Ceres – with bragging rights at stake aside from the crucial 3 game points.
“It will be an interesting game, knowing that it’s a battle between first and second. The Negros-Iloilo match is always a rivalry. It’s called the Visayas Clasico historically for a reason,” Marcaida said.
“We will keep the same intensity as we have brought in the previous games,” added the veteran mentor. “Good thing it will be held here in Iloilo. The undying support of Ilonggo fans is very important for us. We will look to keep our unbeaten record here in Iloilo.”
Ceres veteran Jim Muñoz said they do not feel any pressure facing Kaya but still hope to snatch the win in their fifth and final encounter.
“Every game we take is important. We just take every game 100 percent and that what we do best, so that’s what we’ll keep on doing,” Muñoz said. “I think we are more motivated now because we owe it also to the fans last time.”
Ceres remains No. 1 in the standings with a 13-2-3 win-loss-draw for 42 points while Kaya is on a distant second with 33 points (10-4-3)./PN
