MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo will test the mettle of the Philippine Air Force FC when the 2019 Philippine Premier League (PPL) kicks off its inaugural season today at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
The matchup between Kaya-Iloilo and the Air Force is slated at 7 p.m. after the battle between Globe Green Archers United Football Club and Mendiola Football Club 1991 at 4 p.m.
Kaya-Iloilo, which is currently making waves in the 2019 Asian Football Confederation Cup, will be banking on Ilonggo Jovin Bedic and veteran Jordan Mintah as they aim to start the tournament with a win.
Standing in the way of Kaya-Iloilo were the Air Force, which aims to make their return in the top-flight football competition with a bang.
Bannering the squad is 45-year-old Yanti Barsales and Mark Ferrer.
Aside from the four, Philippine Premier League champion Ceres-Negros Football Club is also participating in the tournament, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2019 AFC Cup next year.
The league is still waiting for Global Makati Football Club and Stallion Laguna Football Club to complete their necessary requirements before they will be admitted in the tourney.
The PPL, which replaced the Philippine Football League, is the new top-tier of men’s seniors football in the Philippines. Matches can be seen live for free at the venue and will also be shown live at ESPN 5.
“We can’t wait for the action to start,” said PPL commissioner Bernie Sumayao. “The fans deserve the great games and I’m sure that’s what we’ll get.”/PN
