CERES Negros will kick off its title-retention bid in the 2018 Philippines Football League when it faces regional rival Kaya Iloilo tonight at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
The match – considered one of the most-awaited face-offs in the PFL this season owing to the rivalry of the teams’ home fields – starts at 7 o’clock.
“Playing Kaya is always a tough task and we look forward to that challenge at the start of our PFL title defense against them,” said Ceres Negros team manager James Dinsay.
“We want to keep our title, of course, and every member of the team is motivated for this upcoming season. We know we have to build on our past success, and winning the league again is one of our goals,” he added.
Despite losing almost half of its championship roster, Ceres Negros remains a formidable team with new acquisitions in Sean Kane, Takumi Uesato, Mike Ott, and Toni Doblas.
Returning for the team are Bienvienido Marañon, Stephan Schrock, Jim Muñoz, Carli de Murga, Manuel Herrera, Jeffrey Christiaens, Joshua Dutosme, Louie Casas, Eduardo Sacapano, Martin Steuble, Arnie Pasinabo, Manuel Ott, and Kevin Ingreso.
Kaya hopes to snatch its first victory as Iloilo province representative after settling for a 2-2 draw with Davao Aguilas at the start of the tournament last month.
Among the key players for the Ilonggo team are Alfred Osei, Connor Tacagni, Nathanael Villanueva, Camelo Tacusalme, Jovin Bedic, Jalsor Soriano, Jayson Panhay, Janrick Soriano, Arnel Amita, and Audie Menzi.
“We are really looking forward for the ‘Visayas Classico’ against Ceres Negros and we are also honored to lead Iloilo in this PFL season,” said Kaya Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida./PN
