KAYA Futbol Club will soon leave University of Makati football field and will have Iloilo Sports Complex in La Paz, Iloilo City as their new home when the 2018 Philippines Football League kicks off in March.
This was confirmed Friday, February 2, by Iloilo provincial football director Edwin Caro Laru-an and Kaya FC head coach Noel Marcaida.
Laru-an said the Provincial Board of Iloilo approved the partnership and granted Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. the authority to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Kaya FC on Tuesday, February 6.
With Kaya FC moving to Iloilo, Laru-an said it as a welcome development for the province, especially for the grassroots and the fans.
Kaya FC coach Marcaida said moving to Iloilo is a mandate from the management.
“We are really looking forward for the Visayas Classico. Personally I’m excited to play our home game in Iloilo as everyone knows it’s the football hotbed of the country historically and it’s an honor as a coach of a team to represent Iloilo in this PFL season,” he said.
Among those expected to spark the Ilonggo fans are home grown talents Shirmar Felongco and Joven Bedic alongside Negrense Jayson Panhay, Soriano siblings – Janrick and Jalsor, and recently-inked defender Camelo Tacusalme.
With this development, Kaya FC signed striker Connor Tacagni and keeper Nathanael Ace Villanueva as addition to their roster ahead of another tough PFL season.
Tacagni, 24, was born and raised in Manchester, England, to an English father and Filipino mother and last played with FC Meralco.
The 22-year-old Villanueva was once under the watch of Marcaida in the Under 19 National Team and willing to challenge team’s top keepers Cuaresma and Zach Banzon for the starting spot.
Earlier, Kaya FC also inked midfielders Michael Menzi, Arnel Amita and center back Audie Menzi.
Last season, Kaya finished No. 3 at the end of the eliminations but lost to eventual champions Ceres Negros FC in the semi-finals.*
