Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo’s unbeaten run in the 2020 Philippines Football League means a lot for the squad ahead of their 2021 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League qualifiers match next year.
Barotac Nuevo-native Jovin Bedic said Kaya-Iloilo’s three wins and two draws slate, capped by a 2-1 triumph over eventual champions United City Football Club, was a fitting ending for the team even if it was just good for a runner-up finish.
“We just want to finish the league undefeated and we did it,” Bedic said. “The management and the coaches are having a meeting about the preparation for next season and the AFC.”
“We’re just waiting for them to tell us about the plans for next year,” the Ilonggo booter added. “At the moment it’s time to relax and enjoy with our family and recharge our body for a bigger year to come.”
Negrense midfielder Jayson Panhay, for his part, said their untarnished record was a huge achievement especially after almost half a year of inactivity due to coronavirus pandemic.
“Our win means a lot to us because we finished the league undefeated. We are happy also because we will still be playing in the AFC Cup next year as well as in the Champions League qualifying,” Panhay said.
“Actually, this year has a lot of challenges because of the pandemic. But, we still overcame all of the problems. And, I always stay focus on our goals,” added the San Carlos City, Negros Occidental-native.
The Yu Hoshide-mentored Kaya-Iloilo had 1-0 triumphs over Azkals Developmental Team and Maharlika Manila FC, 1-1 draw with Stallion-Laguna FC, scoreless draw with Mendiola FC 1991 and 2-1 win over United City.
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Former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers mentor Aldin Ayo is back on bench as he was recently unveiled as the new head coach of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 basketball team.
“I’m very grateful because for me, this will bring another dimension to my coaching career,” Ayo said.
“Throughout my coaching career, it was the full-length of the court, but this time will be different. I can’t wait to try out new schemes for half-court,” added the 43-year-old Ayo, who took over the spot of resigned Eric Altamirano.
Ayo is already learning the ropes of this new sport, but opted not to join Manila Chooks TM yet as they saw action in the Doha Masters of the 2020 FIBA 3×3 World Tour last month.
“Coach Ayo is my personal choice,” said BAVI president and 3×3 patron Ronald Mascariñas. “He is the most decorated coach in college right now and we are excited that he is now here with us.”/PN
