Kaya FC-Iloilo launches its quest for a silverware against the Azkals Development Team as the Copa Paulino Alcantara returns from a year-long absence on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Coming off its maiden appearance in the AFC Champions League last July, Kaya hopes to start off the domestic campaign on a bright note as it prepares for a tough ADT side in the lone match which kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
A good result will boost either club’s chances of securing one of the two semifinal slots in Group B that also includes Mendiola FC 1991.
Coach Yu Hoshide is banking on the experience playing in the continental front as Kaya aims to lift its first trophy since taking the inaugural Copa back in 2018.
“Everything that we learned against some of Asia’s best clubs is something that we want to carry into this Copa campaign,” the Japanese coach said. “Hopefully it will be a good game for us against ADT.”
Kaya has retained all but one of the core members from the Champions League roster, namely Jovin Bedic, Audie Menzi, Zach Banzon, Kenshiro Daniels, Simone Rota, Masa Omura, Marwin Angeles and Carlyle Mitchell.
One of its key players from that continental stint will be on the other side in Jarvey Gayoso, who was brought back to ADT after his loan spell with Kaya in the ACL.
Gayoso and senior Azkals member Mar Diano will be among the prominent figures for ADT, which secured a third place finish in last year’s shortened Philippines Football League season.
ADT coach Jovanie Villagracia said several members of the Philippine team that competed in last week’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Singapore will take part in the Copa.
Oliver Bias, Yrick Gallantes, Sandro Reyes and goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad are out to atone for the Philippines’ winless campaign in the Lion City and put ADT in the championship discussion.
“The results in Singapore were very frustrating and they’re very motivated to perform well in this competition,” Villagracia said in Filipino.