Bobae Park Named Head Coach of Kaya FC-Iloilo Returning to Philippine football, Bobae Park brings a vision for a dynamic style of play, long-term player development, and the next chapter of Kaya FC-Iloilo.

Kaya FC-Iloilo is delighted to announce the appointment of Bobae Park as Head Coach of the club’s Men’s Team ahead of the 2026-27 season.

More than a decade after first arriving in Philippine football, the South Korean returns with a wealth of experience—and a clear direction for what comes next.

Coach Park first made his mark in the country as a player in the United Football League (UFL) before embarking on a coaching career that has taken him across multiple levels of the game—including successful spells with the Far Eastern University high school and collegiate programs, the Malaysian National Team, and as a scout for K League 1 side Ulsan HD FC.

Now, after years of learning and growing across different levels of the game, Park returns to Philippine football to lead one of the country’s most successful clubs.

For him, the opportunity represented more than simply taking on a new coaching role—it was a chance to reconnect with a country that has long held a special place in his football journey. Despite receiving interest elsewhere, conversations with Kaya FC-Iloilo President and General Manager Paul Tolentino ultimately convinced him this was the right fit.

“My journey with Philippine football began back in 2012. Throughout my career as both a player and a coach, I never once forgot my deep connection to this country; I always held a strong desire to return someday and contribute to the growth of Philippine football.

When the opportunity arose, my conversations with Paul were a turning point. I could truly feel his genuine passion and vision for elevating Kaya FC. It convinced me that Kaya FC is a club that must represent the pinnacle of Philippine football. Although I received offers from elsewhere, this profound alignment in vision and sincerity made Kaya FC my absolute priority and ultimately inspired my decision to join.”

Those experiences have helped shape the footballing philosophy that Coach Park now hopes to bring to Kaya. Having worked within national team and elite professional environments, he arrives with a vision built around structure, clarity, and long-term development.

“My time with the Malaysian National Team and Ulsan HD FC was incredibly invaluable, significantly broadening my tactical horizons and fostering my personal growth as a leader. By bringing these high-level experiences to Kaya, I aim to implement a well-defined, sophisticated game model and establish a matching scouting system. My goal is to build a team that consistently delivers performances that satisfy both the club management and our loyal supporters.”

Of course, supporters will be eager to see how that philosophy translates onto the pitch—and Coach Park already has a clear vision for the kind of football he wants his side to play.

“I believe Kaya FC stands as the pride of Philippine football and should always be a club deeply loved by the fans. This season, supporters can expect to see an energetic, proactive, and dynamic brand of football on the pitch.”

Coach Park’s responsibilities also extend beyond the Men’s First Team. In addition to his role as Head Coach, he has also been named the academy’s Head of Youth Development and Elite Program Director. In those roles, he will oversee the continued development of the club’s elite program while helping establish a unified football philosophy across every level of Kaya FC-Iloilo. Through this approach, the club aims to strengthen the pathway for academy players into the senior squad.

“If I were to define the most core philosophy of our academy management, it would be cultivating players who can seamlessly transition into the senior squad. By implementing a unified game model across all levels, our goal is to nurture talents within the Kaya Academy who perfectly embody the specific playing style and profile required by the Kaya FC Men’s First Team. To establish and sustain this seamless developmental pathway, our coaching staff must—and will—dedicate themselves to continuous and tireless effort.”

With preseason approaching, Coach Park’s immediate focus is laying those foundations within the current squad.

“I firmly believe that the greatest strength of Philippine football lies in the raw potential and individual talent of its players. However, individual talent alone is not enough to compete at the international level. Therefore, my immediate priority over the first few months will be to thoroughly establish our tactical game model, ensuring every single member of the squad completely understands and synchronizes with our style of play.”

For Bobae, returning to Philippine football is more than the next step in his coaching career—it’s an opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the game in a country that has shaped so much of his own journey. As he begins this new chapter with Kaya FC-Iloilo, he also had a message for the Kaya faithful.

“Hello, Kaya FC supporters. I am the newly appointed head coach, Bobae Park. As someone who genuinely loves and cares deeply for the Philippines and its football, I promise to give my absolute everything to this club. I humbly ask for your passionate support; with your energy behind us, I am determined to guide Kaya FC back to the absolute top. We are committed to playing exciting, dynamic football that you will love to watch, so please come out to the stadium to cheer us on. Your presence gives us immense strength. UNA KAYA! Salamat po.”

With preparations for the new season set to kick off, everyone at Kaya FC-Iloilo warmly welcomes Bobae Park and looks forward to building the club’s next chapter together.