MANILA – Ilonggo forward Jesus Melliza and midfielder Fitch Arboleda ended their stint with Stallion Laguna Football Club ahead of the start of the 2021 Philippines Football League season.
Stallion Laguna head coach Ernest Nierras confirmed the exit of Melliza and Arboleda saying they will be playing in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup this year.
“They will be playing in the AFC Cup this season. We wish them all the luck as they face new challenges in 2021,” Nierras said. “We would also like to thank both of them for giving everything to our club for these past few years.”
Nierras did not mention to which team the two are headed but reports said Melliza and Arboleda are set to sign with Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo which will play for a spot in the 2021 AFC Champions League.
The Iloilo City-based football club is scheduled to face Australia’s Brisbane Roar in the preliminary round on April 7. The winner will face Beijing FC in a playoff for a spot in the group stage on April 14.
The La Paz, Iloilo-native Melliza has been with Stallion Laguna since 2017. Prior to that, the former Far Eastern University Tamaraws standout played for Green Archers United FC.
The Romblon-native Arboleda, a former player of the University of the East, has been with Stallion Laguna since 2012 and was part of the squad that won the championship in the United Football League in 2013.
Arboleda played in U22 AFC qualifiers in 2014 and U-23 team in the 2015 SEA Games. He also had a call-up for the Philippine Azkals in a friendly game in 2016./PN
