MANILA – Kaya Iloilo boosted its lineup ahead of its remaining matches in the 2018 Philippines Football League with three new key additions led by former collegiate standout Arnel Amita.
League leader Ceres Negros, on the other hand, cut ties with veteran goalkeeper Louie Michael Casas after its acquisition of Toni Doblas earlier this season and the return of Roland Muller.
Amita, formerly with Far Eastern University Tamaraws, said was glad of the chance to play for Kaya after two years of absence in the sport due to injury.
“Masaya kasi nakabalik ako sa game, after two years, in a professional team,” the Compostela Valley native said. “Basta ako gagawin ko ang lahat kapag ipinasok ako ni coach.”
Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida believes the two-time UAAP men’s football champion will be helpful to the team in the long run.
“We wanted to sign Amita for a few years now,” Marcaida disclosed.
“He’s (Amita) the type of player that can change the game. He looks small but on the pitch he’s a big player,” the coach added. “I’d love to see Nano play more minutes in our upcoming games.”
Aside from Amita, Kaya also added defender Audie Menzi and Cameroonian Serge Kaole, who was recently released by Global Cebu.
As for Casas, the Danao, Cebu native has become dispensable even though he had been with Ceres for six years in 54 appearances.
“It’s been the best ride. Thank you Ceres Negros FC,” Casas said. “To the management, the players and most of all to boss LRY, thank you for giving me the chance to represent the club with pride.”
Kaya is currently on second place in the standings with 33 points on a 10-6-3 win-loss-draw card, behind defending champion Ceres, which has 51 points on a 16-3-2 card./PN
