Casambre’s Call to Arms: Kaya’s Continental Push Kaya FC–Iloilo’s co-captain calls for focus, consistency, and fan support ahead of their AFC Champions League Two opener.

Kaya FC–Iloilo are set to kick off their 2025/26 AFC Champions League Two campaign this Thursday, taking on Singapore’s Tampines Rovers FC at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.

Last season, the club made history by notching the first-ever win for a Philippine side in the revamped competition, finishing with a victory and a draw in a challenging group alongside eventual quarterfinalists Sanfrecce Hiroshima and semifinalists Sydney FC. This year, the club looks to build on that milestone with a bigger goal in sight: advancing past the group stage and making a run to the round of 16.

Co-captain Marco Casambre believes the foundations are in place, with Kaya starting the domestic season strong with back-to-back wins in the Philippines Football League.

“Being able to get the maximum points in the first two games of the season is always a positive, but we shouldn’t be complacent. We should continue building consistency and making sure we keep improving every week. We know the ACL Two is a different challenge, and we’ll need to be even more focused.”

Thursday’s clash also carries a sense of familiarity, and perhaps unfinished business. Kaya last faced Tampines Rovers in the 2020 AFC Cup, battling to a 0–0 draw at Rizal Memorial Stadium before the pandemic cut the tournament short and canceled the return leg. Casambre is one of just four players from that match still with the club (five if you include returning forward Kenshiro Daniels).

“That match was a valuable learning experience. What stands out is realizing the level required to compete against strong clubs in the region. Facing Tampines again now is a chance for us to show how much we’ve grown as a team since then.”

[Kaya FC-Iloilo’s starting lineup during the 2020 AFC Cup match against Tampines Rovers]

As the Philippines’ perennial representative on the continental stage in recent years, Marco noted that the experience Kaya have built up has sharpened their focus and defined their current approach.

“The experiences we’ve had have been of great help to us. We’ve learned that details matter a lot at this level—preparation, discipline, and mentality.”

That preparation underpins the club’s ambition this season.

“Our goal is to keep raising the standard and perform better than we did last year. We’ll do our best to get more wins and have stronger performances.”

While the group stage won’t be played in Kaya’s traditional home grounds in Iloilo or Manila, Casambre is calling on the faithful to come and rally behind the team in New Clark City.

“I hope the Kaya fans and football supporters are able to come to New Clark City, as your presence will greatly help us in our games. We’d love to see you there and support the team. We will do our best to make you guys proud.”

It’s the beginning of a new chapter on the continental stage, and Kaya FC–Iloilo will still be counting on your support. The challenge begins on Thursday, September 18, with kickoff against Tampines Rovers set at 6:00 PM (PST).