Jovin Bedic hopes to remain in top form and cap off a memorable year for Kaya-Iloilo with a trophy in the Copa Paulino Alcantara Final against the Azkals Development Team.
A victory over ADT in the championship match on Friday, November 19, 2021 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite will give Kaya its first piece of silverware for the first time in three years.
Kaya hopes to do that with Bedic expected to play a big role after producing four goals across all competitions, including three in the Copa.
“I’m grateful for the trust that the coaches and management have given to me, and I want to repay them by taking home the trophy,” the Kaya captain said in Filipino after a 1-0 win over Dynamic Herb Cebu in the semifinals.
The club last won a title in the inaugural Copa in 2018 when Bedic’s goal in extra time defeated the Davao Aguilas in the final held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kaya has since settled for runner-up finishes in the 2019 Philippines Football League and Copa competition and last year’s short league campaign despite going unbeaten in all five matches.
Another bridesmaid finish will surely be a big disappointment for Kaya, which is bracing for a tough challenge from ADT despite winning 2-0 in their group stage match last November 7.
“We beat them in our first match, but this is the final and we expect to never give up,” said Bedic. “We hope to prepare well because this Copa is very important for us.”
Bedic has been one of the main reasons for Kaya’s big year, being one of three goalscorers for the club during its breakthrough AFC Champions League stint last July.
The Barotac Nuevo product also scored twice in the 6-0 drubbing of Mendiola FC 1991 in the group stage before his late penalty secured a hard-fought win over Cebu in the semis.