MANILA – Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo goalkeeper Zach Banzon is stepping away from the sport after helping his squad in capturing the 2022-2023 Philippines Football League championship recently.
The 26-year-old Banzon, the reigning PFL Golden Gloves winner, said he has decided to retire from football, even if it was a tough decision on his part, as he plans to continue his studies.
“This decision has been difficult because I know there are things I still want to achieve, but it’s time for me to step away from football and chase a new dream,” Banzon said in a statement posted on Kaya-Iloilo’s website.
“I am saying goodbye to a wonderful football club full of amazing people, but I leave with a smile on my face knowing I gave it my all everyday for Kaya,” added the Manila City-native.
Banzon came up through the Kaya FC Academy Elite program before joining the Iloilo City-based club’s first team prior to their maiden Asian Football Confederation Cup campaign in 2016.
Kaya-Iloilo, in a separate statement, paid tribute to Banzon, whom they described as “a fierce competitor” and “a good leader” in his seven years as the squad’s goalkeeper.
“He never stopped grinding — growing from an exciting youngster to one of the team’s leaders. He came into his own in the 2021 AFC Champions League, up on the biggest stage against some of the strongest clubs in Asia,” the team said.
“He built on that experience and really stepped up this season, serving as captain whenever Jovin Bedic wasn’t on the pitch. The armband seemed to fit the goalkeeper perfectly, as he was instrumental down the stretch of Iloilo’s championship push,” it added.
Banzon also thanked the team owners and the coaches for giving him a break through Kaya-Iloilo’s development program and his teammates for making his football journey unforgettable.
“I wish now to be remembered not only as a good goalkeeper for Kaya, but as a good teammate and a good person as well,” Banzon said. “I will always have Kaya in my heart! Una Kaya!”/PN
