MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo will shoot for the No. 1 spot in the 2019 Philippines Football League standings when it faces Global-Cebu FC today at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The Ilonggos are currently at second place in the standings with six points on two wins, and a victory over the Cebuanos will move them to solo first place, surpassing defending champions Ceres-Negros FC (seven points).
The Cebuanos, on the other hand, are still in search of their first victory in the season-opening tournament after lopsided defeats in their first two matches.
“It’s a big day and an important match for both clubs,” said Kaya-Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida. “We cannot take Global-Cebu for granted even if they have not won a game yet.”
Kaya-Iloilo will once again rely on Jordan Mintah, who scored a hat trick in their 4-0 victory over Green Archers United FC, as well as llonggo Jovin Bedic, Negrense Jayson Panhay, and Louie Casas.
Marcaida is hopeful his players can maintain their healthy status at the end of the double round elimination and take an outright seat in the AFC Champions Cup.
“Aside from the fitness and the 100 percent performance from the players in every game, what’s key in the league will be consistency, both in games and in training,” Marcaida stressed.
Preparation is very important, he said, “So we need commitment and consistency from everyone. The AFC Cup experience will be helpful for us.”/PN
