Copa Paulino Alcantara Cebu FC vies for finals slot vs Kaya FC tonight

CEBU, Philippines — The Dynamic Herb-backed Cebu FC will face its biggest test yet as it shoots for a finals berth against the favored Kaya FC Iloilo in only its second match as a pro team via the Philippine Football League (PFL) Copa Paulino Alcantara tonight.

Tip off is set at 8:15 p.m. at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

Before the Cebu-Kaya duel, the Stallion Laguna FC and Azkals Development Team (ADT) will clash in the other crossover semifinal match at 4 p.m.

 “This is the real big test for our club, as to where we are now in terms of training,” said Cebu FC head coach Oliver ‘BingBing’ Colina, adding that it will also determine if the club will be ready for the bigger and tougher league next year.

Cebu FC put up a gallant stand, albeit in a losing cause, 1-0, during its PFL debut last week.

Kaya, on the other hand, topped Group B with six points coming from wins over the ADT and Mendiola.

“We made some adjustments in both defensive and attacking sides, and made some changes in the lineup,” said Colina ontheir preparation against Kaya.

Aside from preparing the club physically, the Cebu FC coaching staff also worked on the players considering that Kaya is touted as Copa’s toughest squad.

“Actually the players’ mentality right now, they act as a big challenge and by playing Kaya FC, there is excitement in playing with the top club of the country. Although we have nothing to lose in this game, I believed the club can compete against them. This will be like a matured and experienced team vs the newcomer in the league,” said Colina.

Interestingly, Cebu FC’s goalkeeping coach Ref Cuaresma, no.1 keeper Ace Villanueva and ‘Papu’ Corsame formerly played for Kaya.

“I’m very excited to play with them. We want to give them a good fight,” said Corsame, who added that his familiarity with most of the Kaya players will be a big advantage for him and his teammates.

As for Villanueva, who played for Kaya right after college and spent three years playing for them, he finds it a bit strange going up against Kaya.

“Playing against my former club is a strange thing because I have been with them for years and the friendship was built amongst most of the players and also it’s my first time in my whole career to experience going against my former club,” said Villanueva, who added that “setting friendship and everything aside, expect that my new home will do its best until the very last whistle.”