Kaya FC – Iloilo marks its pre-season preparations with the addition of midfielder Fitch Arboleda and forward Jhan Jhan Melliza to their roster for the upcoming Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways season.
The pair moved to Kaya after spending four years with Stallion Laguna FC where they have been one of the club’s frontline tandem. Both players will provide depth and quality to Kaya FC Iloilo which will also challenge for a berth in to the AFC Champions League through the preliminary rounds.
It has been a long journey for Arboleda. The midfielder started his footballing career in Romblon, Romblon, and went on to play for the University of the East in the UAAP. He was also part of the Philippine Under-19s, Under-21s, Under-23s, and the Senior national teams during his time with Stallion.
“Gusto ko machallenge ang sarili ko at gusto ko mag-grow ang experience ko sa mga coaches (I want to challenge myself as a player and to gain valuable experience from my coaches),” said Arboleda in the latest episode of Kaya’s Back of the Net. “Ibibigay ko ang all out ko para sa team lalo na yung mga former teammates ko na nakakapaglaro sa AFC competitions para matulungan sila. (Having seen most of my former teammates play in AFC competitions, I hope to contribute as well to the team).”
The same can be said for Melliza. Hailing from a football-oriented family in La Paz, Iloilo City, Melliza was a two-time UAAP champion for Far Eastern University before taking his skills to the competitive club football scene, first for Green Archers United then for Stallion.
“Isang malaking opportunity para sa akin para makalaro sa Kaya FC (It is a great opportunity for me to play for Kaya FC),” said Melliza. “Ipupush ko ang sarili ko para sa Kaya dahil ang goal ko is matulungan ang team na makamit ang championship (I will work hard to reach my goal which is to win a championship for Kaya).”