MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo will have some changes heading into its campaign this year following the retirement of goalkeeper Louie Michael Casas and acquisition of striker Mar Vincent Diano.
The Iloilo City-based football club announced the retirement of Casas, who chose to migrate to the United States with his family rather than renewing his contract with the team.
“The Filipino football community will soon miss seeing his on-field game dedication, his signature stutter step goal kicks, and his fiery diving saves,” Kaya-lloilo said in a statement.
Added the football team: “He leaves the game a true inspiration to other aspiring players who aren’t blessed with size, showing that it can be done with enough hard work and dedication.
Casas has accomplished much in his three seasons with Kaya — manning the net through two AFC Cup runs, an undefeated PFL season, a historic AFC Champions League campaign, and a triumphant 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara run.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa management, sa teammates ko, sa mga coaches, at lalo na kay (Kaya-Iloilo) boss Paul (Tolentino) na na-experience ko ‘yung family culture ng Kaya FC,” said the former University of St. La Salle-Bacolod keeper.
While there were subtractions, Kaya-Iloilo also announced their first acquisition heading into the 2022 AFC Champions League campaign by signing up former Azkals Developmental Team striker Diano.
Once a staple of the U-19 and U-23 squads, Diano made his Senior Team debut last year during the Qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup & 2023 Asian Cup — cementing his status as one the most exciting up-and-coming players in the country.
“Naisip ko nun, ito na ang pagkakataon ko para makapaglaro sa Kaya. Inisip ko na madami din opportunity dito para pa mag-step up ang laro ko,” the former University of the East Red Warriors star said.
“Masaya din kasi makakasama ko na rin ang coach ko dati sa UE na si Coach Fitch [Johnson] Arboleda. Expect lang nila na bigay ko ang 110 percent effort ko in the field,” he added./PN
