After a busy off season, Kaya FC–Iloilo is set to debut their new-look squad on Wednesday, February 12, against Myanmar National League Champions Shan United.
With five new players, two new coaches, and former number two Yu Hoshide now leading the team, Kaya enter their third run in the prestigious continental competition, looking to improve from last year’s group stage exit.
“The coaching staff and three foreigners have been changed, but I have a strong feeling that we’ll be a better club — better than we were in the past few years,” said Yu Hoshide. “Half of me is really excited, and half of me is nervous. This group hasn’t played this level of competition yet. But now we have a chance to show what we’ve been doing in training.”
Wednesday’s opponents, Shan United, will be quite the first test for Iloilo.
Not only have the Shan Warriors been crowned champions of two of the last three three domestic seasons, they went unbeaten in 22 matches en route to the title last year.
Bannered by top scorer Dway Ko Ko Chit, along with African recruits from the Ivory Coast, Liberia and Ghana, Shan are rife with dangerous weapons, particularly on the counter attack.
“We came here not for a vacation, but for a win. We’re only thinking about the win — not relaxing or enjoying. We need to prepare for the game. We’re focused on winning. That winning mentality is important for us,” added Yu.
Victory over Myanmar’s champions in their own backyard would be the perfect start in a tricky group (H) that includes Singapore’s Tampines Rovers, and Indonesia’s PSM Makassar.
“It’s a really tough group, but we have a chance. We’re always challengers. There’s no need to be afraid. We will challenge in all games from the kickoff until the 90th minute. That’s my style — always challenge.”
Wednesday’s match will be played at the Thuwanna Stadium in Yangon at 5PM (Philippine time), and will be aired live on Fox Sports 2.
Preseason Transfer Activity
Ins:
Carlyle Mitchell (Trinidad & Tobago)
Daizo Horikoshi (Japan)
Takumi Uesato (Japan)
Roberto Corsame (Philippines)
Marco Casambre (Philippines)
Rolando Cabañiero (GK Coach, Philippines)
Oliver Colina (Head Coach, Philippines)
Outs:
Alfred Osei (Ghana)
Jordan Mintah (Ghana)
Darryl Roberts (Trinidad & Tobago)
Yannick Tuason (Philippines)
Janrick Soriano (Philippines)
Ref Cuaresma (GK Coach)
Noel Marcaida (Head Coach)
