Kaya FC–Iloilo Looking to Rediscover that Winning Feeling Refreshed after a two-week break, Kaya FC–Iloilo is eager to snap a two-game losing skid in Sunday's meeting with JPV Marikina.

After two weeks without a game, Kaya FC–Iloilo return to action in the Philippines Football League on Sunday against JPV Marikina. Having dropped their last two matches, Kaya are eager to return to winning ways, as they aim to solidify their hold on second place in the league. Sunday’s match will kickoff at 3pm, and will be played behind closed doors (no spectators allowed) at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona.

“It was disappointing to lose our last game against Stallion. We didn’t play to our full capability. We were looking for a reaction in training these past two weeks, and the boys have reacted really well. Training has been very good. We obviously addressed some of the issues we experienced in our last game, and we hope to rectify that and put it right for the game tomorrow,” said team manager Chris Greatwich.

“In the remaining games, the focus is obviously to take that second spot. It potentially could be an AFC spot, so we need to do everything in our power to finish as high up the table as we can. And also, we need to build momentum for the Cup, which is the other way teams can qualify for the AFC. But really, we’re just taking it a game at a time, as we have done throughout the season,” he said.

Unlike Kaya, JPV are entering the contest having won their last two games in emphatic fashion, beating Global Cebu for a combined score of 16-2 in back-to-back meetings.

“Always for JPV, we’re trying hard to give our best. After our two-game winning streak, I said that we need to keep things up. Of course we have some injuries—our lead striker Kozawa is not present—but the step up of our local players to give goals against Global is a positive outcome, and I hope they can give their best against Kaya. We’ve lost three games to Kaya, but we hope in this fourth game we can manage to get a positive outcome,” said Marikina head coach Dan Padernal.

Although Kaya seem to have JPV’s number this season, Greatwich believes tomorrow’s match will be far from a walk in the park.

“Even in the last game against JPV (a 4-2 win), it was extremely difficult. We had a really fast start, but in the second half they gave us a lot of problems, so realistically we’re not looking too far ahead. We’re just trying to concentrate on the next game, which is against a very tough opponent. Hopefully we can put in a good performance and get back to winning ways,” he said.

The match could feature newly activated defender Audie Menzi, the last of the recent additions that has yet to play a competitive game in the PFL. The former FEU standout was part of the Kaya first team in 2016, but missed the 2017 PFL season in order to play out one last year for his university.

“Audie is someone we know about. He’s played with us before. I think he’s got all the attributes to be a top class defender. He’s another one who’s had a great week in training. He’ll be pushing for a starting place tomorrow,” said Greatwich.

Iloilo will be without Jovin Bedic, however, as he was booked for his involvement in a scuffle that broke out in the last match against Stallion Laguna.

“Jovin is suspended for defending Nano’s honor in the last game. He was dealt with an unfortunate yellow card so he’s picked up a suspension. But that just gives an opportunity for someone else to stake their claim. We’ll miss Jovin, he’s been an integral part of the season so far.”