By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Kaya FC-Iloilo just revealed one of its major off-season signings for its bid for another championship title in the Philippines Football League (PFL).
In an official Facebook post by the team last August 8, 2023, Kaya FC confirmed that they just signed Justin Baas, one of the members of the Philippine Azkals national men’s football team.
The 23-year-old midfielder is expected to orchestrate Kaya FC’s offensive sets when they kick off their Copa Paulino Alcantara Cup campaign on August 12, 2023.
Baas will bring another much-needed international experience to the Iloilo-based team after his numerous stints with the national team and another one with Melaka United FC last 2022.
Before receiving a promotion to play for the Azkals’ seniors team, Baas first impressed when he was tapped by the Azkals Under-22 squad.
Baas played for the Philippines during their campaign at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and scored Azkals’ lone goal during their loss against Myanmar.
After his stellar stint, Baas was called up to play for the seniors’ team when they competed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Syria and Guam.
Also known for his ability to defend the opposing team’s top strikers, Baas go back to his natural position and is now a midfielder under the Kaya FC system.
Baas’ first test will be against the Loyola Football Club on August 12 to be held in the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Aside from Baas, Kaya FC also announced the addition of Henri Bandeken, a Cameroonian goalkeeper who debuted in the PFL last 2015.
Kaya FC also named its new head coach after the appointment of Colum Curtis as the franchise’s new chief tactician.
