Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 26) – 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara champions Kaya FC-Iloilo had some player movements in the first month of the new year.
The squad announced the signing of Azkals Development Team (ADT) players Mar Diano and Filipino Finnish Oskari Kekkonen.
Defender Diano and midfielder Kekkonen were both part of the ADT squad that had a runner-up finish behind Kaya FC-Iloilo in the last Copa Paulino Alcantara tournament.
Diano, a striker during his college years at the University of the East, first played pro ball in 2019 with Mendiola FC 1991 before being recruited to the national Under-23 team.
“Inisip ko na madami din opportunity dito para pa mag-step up ang laro ko. Masaya din kasi makakasama ko na rin ang coach ko dati sa UE na si Coach Fitch Arboleda,” said Diano in a statement.
[Translation: I thought that I will have many opportunities here to step up my game. I’m also happy because I will be with my former coach in UE who is Coach Fitch Arboleda.]
The 22-year-old Kekkonen, fresh from his senior team debut in the AFF Suzuki Cup last month, is expected to fill in for Kaya with the departure of Dylan de Bruycker and Marwin Angeles.
“I will bring with me great energy with my youth and also the hunger to compete and win everything in our hands. The fans can expect me to give my 100% for this club on and off the field,” Kekkonen said.
Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Mike Casas announced his retirement after almost a decade of playing professionally.
Before joining Kaya in 2019, the 35-year-old Casas played with Ceres-Negros FC from 2013 to 2018 and had a short stint with Global Cebu after.
The product of San Beda and University of St. La Salle has also represented the country several times since 2004.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa management, sa teammates ko, sa mga coaches, at lalo na kay boss Paul na na-experience ko ‘yung family culture ng Kaya FC,” said Casas.
[Translation: I want to thank the management, my teammates, and coaches, and also (Kaya FC-Iloilo general manager) boss Paul (Tolentino) that I experienced the family culture in Kaya FC.]
Kaya FC-Iloilo is gearing up for the 2022 AFC Champions League, where it will face a yet-to-be-named Australian pro squad in the preliminary stage on March 8.
