MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo is setting its sights on ruling the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) after its 2020 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup campaign was halted due to coronavirus pandemic.
Kaya-Iloilo general manager Paul Tolentino said the players are motivated to go all the way even with a tough opposition including powerhouse United City Football Club.
“With the understanding that because of a shortened season, competition levels will be very fierce and very difficult. But our goals are not going to change,” Tolentino said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Online.
“Sticking to the values and culture that Kaya has built on, we want to go out there and compete at the highest level we possibly can,” he added. “We want to end the year winning (the PFL crown).”
According to Tolentino, Kaya-Iloilo players were enjoying their return to workouts as they aim to go back in shape after almost six months of inactivity due to community quarantines nationwide.
“The players are enjoying the first two weeks of going back on the field again,” Tolentino said. “And they feel a little bit more in returning to the (normal) routine of being a professional footballer.”
Tolentino added that the coaching staff, led by Cebuano Oliver Colina, has already finalized the lineup following the departure of some of their mainstays as well as injuries.
“This competition is very unique, and it seems very obvious that I even said that,” Tolentino said. “The challenges are going to be in the organization and management I believe.”
“Maybe a competitive edge can be gained on how you manage your players and how to manage your recovery. How you manage your rotation. All these little details that matter every single year and they are going to matter even more this year,” he added./PN
