Mendiola FC aims for top 3 finish in 2020 PFL Season

MANILA, Philippines – Mendiola FC 1991 is preparing to join the ranks of Philippine football giants Ceres-Negros FC and Kaya-Iloilo FC in the upcoming 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) season with a retooled squad.

This year, the team banking on the core of San Beda's varsity players hopes to improve on last year's 5th place finish and make it past the semifinals of the Copa Paulino Alcantara tournament.

New players coming in to strengthen the team are Ray Joseph Joyel (goalkeeper), Marvin Bricencio (midfielder), John Celiz (midfielder), Apiah Tonaldo (forward), and John Nico Macapal (forward), JRV Malayo (center back), Dave Deloso (midfielder) and Sean Epili (midfielder).

The mainstays include Niño Datoy (goalkeeper), Souleyman Mbouombouo Ndepe (center back), Jay-R Sandoval (right back), PJ Fadrigalan (center back), Aljo Paul Zabala (left back), Paolo Javier (left back), Louie Joshua Polinag (right back), Aaron Altiche (midfielder), Nimrod Balatbat (midfielder), Jay Shaun Soberano (midfielder), Rey Franco Miguel De La Torre (midfielder), Hamed Hajimehdi (midfielder), and captain Jim Ashley Flores (forward).

"We have strengthened our lineup with a fine mix of standouts from the college tournaments, tough and experienced local players and strong foreign players," said management team leader Erwin Guevarra Isla.

Former national team player and National University coach Dan Padernal was tapped to take the reins with San Beda University mentors Nhiboy Pedimonte and Jake Cuaycong as assistant coaches and Anton Albao as the goalkeeping coach.

Aside from sponsoring the team, Ricardo Penson is also funding the construction of the team's home stadium in San Beda, Taytay, Rizal.

The turf will serve as Mendiola FC's final requirement in acquiring a Philippine Football Federation (PFF) club license as the team competed under a provisional license last season.

"If you’re good in football and love for football is part of how you see yourself in the future, we should give our football boys a place to go to after college," said Penson.

The fourth PFL season will kick off on March 21. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/football/253030-mendiola-fc-top-3-finish-2020-pfl-season

Negros Occidental FA 0-1 (Aet) National Capital Region FA

The team from National Capital Region FA claimed the inaugural PFF U15 Boys National Championship after a pulsating 1-0 after extra time win over the team from Negros Occidental FA in the final held at the PFF National Training Center last Friday, 28 February 2020.

In a gritty encounter between the two sides, Dominic Tom’s bouncing header from a cross by substitute Rodrigo Marinas III in the 96th minute completed their clean sweep of the competition, winning all but one of their matches from the Regional Group Stage up to the National Championship Round, and the Final Round.

That winner have given the NCR captain not just the tournament’s top goalscorer with nine (9) goals, but also the Most Valuable Player plum. PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes and PFL commissioner Mikhail Torre awarded the various trophies given to the players and teams.

NCRFA goalkeeper Jose Antonio Gonzales was awarded best goalkeeper and Martin Joshua Merino was named the best defender in the individual roll of honor.

Negros Occidental will not be left empty-handed as Dominic Austin Dreyfus was adjudged as the best midfielder of the competition.

The PFF U15 Boys National Championship is a youth development programme of PFF with help from the FIFA Youth Development Projects – Philippines.

http://pff.org.ph/2020/02/28/negros-occidental-fa-0-1-aet-national-capital-region-fa/

Davao-South RFA 5-1 (AET) Mount Apo RFA

The team from Davao South Regional FA concluded their PFF U15 Boys National Championship on a high note, salvaging third place after a dominating 5-1 after extra time win over the team from Mount Apo Regional FA at the PFF National Training Center last Friday 28 February 2020.

An all-Mindanao clash saw both sides grinding it out, before the squad of coach Alex Adolfo pulled away, with three goals scored in a six-minute span in the first half of extra time gave them the final place in the podium.

“The tournament had a big impact on the players, from the qualifiers, until here the players have changed for the better,” said Davao-South head coach Alex Adolfo. “It has helped the development of players. Competition has improved and it will lead to the search of the next national talents.”

Davao captain Uriel Dalapo had his 11th minute opener canceled out by Almaigne Kurt Sarip’s free kick in the 52nd minute, sending the game into extra-time.

“If there is another tournament, it will greatly benefit the players,” added Mount Apo RFA head coach Carlo Yalung. “We hope that it will lead to a promising career for the players in the future.”

However, Davao’s timely substitutions was instrumental in their breakaway, with Saidamin Bacol struck in the 96th minute for their go-ahead goal.

Dalapo completed his brace two minutes after that, and Gian Paolo Sartirani added two more in the 102nd and 119th for the final score.

“If not because of my teammates, we wouldn’t have gotten this far. Even if I have scored two goals, it’s for the team,” said Man of the Match Dalapo. “The tournament was a memorable experience to all.”

http://pff.org.ph/2020/02/28/davao-south-rfa-5-1-aet-mount-apo-rfa/

Kaya FC–Iloilo and Tampines Rovers All Set for Explosive AFC Cup Clash at Rizal Memorial Stadium

Kaya FC–Iloilo (PHI) vs Tampines Rovers (SIN)
Wednesday, February 26 | 7pm Kickoff
Rizal Memorial Stadium, Manila

After a hot start away from home in the 2020 AFC Cup, Kaya FC-Iloilo are looking to keep the momentum going on home soil, as they host Singapore’s Tampines Rovers at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Wednesday, 26th of February, at 7PM.

Both teams are building on some fine performances, with the hosts winning their first assignment away to Shan United (2-0), while Tampines Rovers got off to a triumphant start against PSM Makassar (2-1) at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.

“That’s the best way to start the season. The challenge is, can we maintain the consistency. It’s going to be a long year,” said Tampines Rovers head coach Gavin Lee.

Knowing that they will be facing tough opposition in Kaya FC-Iloilo, coach Lee mentioned that they have been busy studying their Filipino opponents. “We’re all excited to be here. We’re expecting a fierce contest,” he added.

Kaya FC-Iloilo head coach, Oliver Colina agreed the match would likely be a competitive affair, but he remains confident in Kaya’s ability to cope with the Rovers’ fluid passing game. “It’s very important to win. We prepared for this team. We’re ready for tomorrow’s game. We’re very confident,” he said.

Although the ongoing COVID-19 situation is far from ideal, Marwin Angeles is hopeful that the comforts of home will play a role in swinging the match in Kaya’s favor. “We hoped to play in Iloilo, but Rizal is still our home and it’s nice to play in front of our home crowd. It will boost, for sure, our confidence. We hope we can still get a good crowd for tomorrow’s game.”

With both clubs being on form and wanting to keep a clean slate in the tournament, Wednesday’s AFC Cup clash in Group H is expected to be a cracking contest.

In line with the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) advise due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, spectators should expect a temperature check at the gates. Spectators with a temperature above 37.5°C will not be allowed to enter the stadium. Furthermore, fan zone activities have been canceled, and spectators are advised to wear their face masks at all times for their own safety.

The match will be aired live over 5 Plus and Fox Sports, and can be live streamed over ESPN5’s YouTube channel.

http://www.kayafc.com/news/kaya-fc-iloilo-and-tampines-rovers-all-set-for-explosive-afc-cup-clash-at-rizal-memorial-stadium/

AFC Cup: Stalemate keeps Ceres-Negros on top

By: Cedelf P. Tupas 

MANILA, Philippines–Philippines Football League champion Ceres-Negros battled Vietnamese
side Than Quang Ninh to a thrilling 2-2 draw Tuesday night in the 2020 AFC Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Bienve Marañon’s penalty at the stroke of halftime cancelled out an earlier strike from Jeremie Lynch, before OJ Porteria handed the Busmen the advantage in the 62nd minute.

Unable to clear its lines, Ceres conceded in the 70th minute Nguyen Hai Huy lashed home from close range.

The result kept Ceres on top of Group G, after Bali United lost to Svey Rieng of Cambodia, 1-2, in Phnom Penh. The Busmen have four points from two matches with Bali in second, ahead of Svey Rieng on goal difference.

The Busmen were in control of proceedings until Lynch scored against the run of play as Hai Huy’s ball found the Jamaican striker in stride, before he rounded out Ceres goalkeeper Roland Muller.

Marañon made it 1-1 in first half stoppage time as he converted from the spot after getting fouled by Hai Huy.

The Busmen came out with renewed vigor after the restart with Marañon and Manny Ott missing gilt edged chances.

Porteria then finished off a quick counter after a nice ball from Marañon from midfield.

Ceres, however, failed to put the match to bed as Ott was denied by the crossbar on another quick counter. That opened the opportunity for the visitors to grab a point through Hai Huy’s precious goal.

 https://sports.inquirer.net/387156/afc-cup-stalemate-keeps-ceres-negros-on-top#ixzz6F0YtzuWQ

CERES-NEGROS COLLIDES WITH THAN QUANG NINH IN AFC CUP

Philippine champions Ceres-Negros FC continues its AFC Cup campaign when it faces Vietnam’s Than Quang Ninh on matchday two on February 25 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

The Busmen opened their campaign last Febraury 11 when they beat Cambodian champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC 4-0 at home to get leadership in Group G. Takashi Odawara and Joshua Grommen scored the early goals in the first half Bienvenido Maranon completed a brace to complete the convincing win.

Their opponents however didn’t have the same fate as an early sending off of striker Andre Fagan in the first half resulted to a 1-4 defeat against Indonesian champions Bali United who had their way even after being a goal down.

Ceres-Negros is expecting the return of Super Herrera who was out of the first match after recovering from a minor injury while Quang Ninh, who is littered with current and former national team players, will only miss Fagan in their lineup.

Both teams haven’t met head to head but were both part of the 2017 edition where Ceres-Negros won the first ever ASEAN Zone title of the competition. Ceres-Negros however has not won three of their last matches against Vietnamese teams in the AFC Cup.

Ceres-Negros qualified to the AFC Cup after winning their 2rd PFL title while Quang Ning qualified as the 2nd Vietnamese squad after Hanoi FC was disqualified from an AFC license.

The initial match was set in Vietnam but was moved to the Philippines as sports events were not allowed by the government for the month of February. They will play the Vietnam leg instead on April 29.

The Feb 25 match will be shown live on 5 Plus and Fox Sports 2 channels while streams will be available on the ESPN5 YouTube and the Sports 5 Facebook page.

Due to the COV-19 virus, spectators attending the match will be asked to bring masks as sanitation liquids as a precautionary measure. Fans will be scanned for their temperature and persons having temperature of 37.8 degree Celsius and above will not be allowed to enter the stadium.

http://ceresfootball.com/ceres-negros-collides-quang-ninh-afc-cup/

PFL - Global FC roster

Butuan City - 11th Balangay Football Festival

Prepare your team for this summer
11th Balangay Football Festival 2020
May 16-17, 2020
Caraga State University, Brgy Ampayon Butuan City

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10159533253764498&set=a.10151612346329498&type=3&theater

PFL: Global Makati spends big, signs Bahadoran, 6 others

By

 Adrian Stewart Co

MANILA – Former Philippine Azkals mainstay Misagh Bahadoran spearheads the bunch of players signed and returning to Global Makati F.C. ahead of the 2020 Philippines Football League.

In an announcement made through various social media accounts, the Global Makati management announced the return of the winger after going on a hiatus due to an injury. The last club he played for was in Malaysia.

Youth international defender Jordan Jarvis, midfielder Andrew Esswin, Ziggy Ae, Nico Quintana and Ryan Jarvis are also set to play for Global.
Yannick Tuazon has also relocated to the Makati-based team after donning the Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo colors in 2019.
Global also announced the entry of their new reinforcements. They are forwards John Cofie and Jose Villareal, goalkeeper Alan Martin and defender Suleman Naeem.

The 26-year-old Inglewood, California-native Villareal was a homegrown player of the Los Angeles Galaxy, while the 27-year-old Cofie was a former youth player for one of the best football clubs in the world, Manchester United in England.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Naeem was a former youth player of another big football club, Liverpool, and the 31-year-old Glasgow-native Martin has a wide experience playing in the Scottish football systems.

Global Makati has recently made massive changes in its front office with Hong Kong Consortium Mazinyi Management LTD investing in the squad./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/pfl-global-makati-spends-big-signs-bahadoran-6-others/

Gayoso, SEA Games standouts join Azkals cadet squad

By: Cedelf P. Tupas

The Azkals Development Team (ADT) that will see action in the 2020 Philippines Football League season as a guest team is slowly taking shape following the commitment of several standouts from the Southeast Asian Games.

Among the notable recruits of the squad to be handled by Serbian coach Goran Milojevic is former UAAP MVP Jarvey Gayoso, who skipped his final year of eligibility at Ateneo.

Azkals team manager Dan Palami said majority of the players from the SEA Games squad have also started training with the ADT.

Palami has also opened the door for former national team players, including Curt Dizon and Marvin Angeles, who are trying to get back into top form as they wait for offers from other clubs.

In recent weeks, Palami said several promising young players have joined training, including Lance Ocampo from the GOM Academy of former national player Darren Hartmann, and Sandro Reyes, who was once part of the FC Barcelona Escola, the flagship school of one of world’s biggest clubs.

“This is one of the answers to the clamor to improve our players before they get into the senior team,” Palami said.

Also committing to the ADT are SEA Games standouts like goalkeeper Anthony Pinthus, Edison Suerti and Mar Diano.

Read more: https://sports.inquirer.net/386024/gayoso-seag-standouts-join-azkals-cadet-squad#ixzz6E4FXAe1L

Kaya FC–Iloilo Down Myanmar Champions for Dream Start in AFC Cup 2020

AFC Cup 2020 | Group H
Shan United 0 – 2 Kaya FC–Iloilo
Thuwunna Stadium

12 February 2020; Yangon, Myanmar — Kaya FC–Iloilo banked on an inspired second half to take all three points against Myanmar Champions, Shan United, on Wednesday afternoon at the Thuwunna Stadium. Goals from captain Jovin Bedic, and substitute Eric Giganto did the damage as the match finished 2-0 in favor of the Philippine club.

“The first half we struggled a little bit, but we turned things around in the second half,” said Kaya head coach Oliver Colina. “We got what we came for. It doesn’t matter if it’s two-nil, one-nil, or whatever. We got the three points, and that was our objective coming here.”

Although Iloilo almost scored in just the third minute of play, the bright start wasn’t sustained in the opening half. Shan United took advantage and took control of the tempo, and in the 26th they almost broke through. Free on a rare one-on-one Mike Casas needed to pull off a fine save to keep the scores level heading into the break.

After canceling one another out in a cagey opening period, things began to open up as the second half wore on. With the introductions of Eric Giganto and Arnel Amita, Kaya started to find a bit more pace in their attack. With just over 15 minutes remaining, Amita was brought down inside the box, earning a vital penalty, which captain Jovin Bedic casually tucked away.

12 minutes later, Arnel was involved again as the Philippine side doubled their advantage. Amita picked off the ball near the halfway line, dashed into the box, and managed to poke the ball into the path of Giganto who first-timed the ball into the corner of the net.

“The penalty changed the game. We scored that goal and the momentum changed. Shan United remained composed, but with all due respect, we’re a strong team also. We just played our game, got our chance and we took it,” said Colina.

“The feeling is great, especially to score here in Myanmar. They’re a good team. We saw them play before in the Philippines. Credit to my teammates, they worked so hard over the 90 minutes. Me, I was just in the right place at the right time and I scored. Actually I’m not looking for the Man of the Match. My whole team did well. I give the credit to them,” said Eric Giganto after the game.

The 2-0 victory places Kaya FC–Iloilo momentarily atop of Group H, an ideal position ahead of their home match against Tampines Rovers on February 26, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

http://www.kayafc.com/match/11026-shan-united-v-kaya-fc%E2%80%93iloilo/

CERES-NEGROS OPENS AFC CUP CAMPAIGN WITH 4-0 WIN OVER SVAY RIENG

Ceres Negros opened their AFC Cup campaign with a 4-0 win over Cambodian champions Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC last February 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. Takashi Odawara, Josh Grommen, and Bienvenido Maranon all found the back of the net after assists from OJ Porteria, Stephan Schrock, and Manny Ott.

The busmen came out firing early in the match after Odawara picked out the bottom corner of the Svay Rieng goal in the 12th minute. Minutes later, Schrock sent a cross towards the far post where Grommen did enough to put the ball past the goal line.

The Cambodian champions had a good chance to get a goal back after Jean Marie Mbarga was clipped by Grommen near the edge of the box in the 22nd. Brazilian Thiago Dos Santos stepped up for the penalty but Roland Muller came up with a fine save. The Ceres shot stopper guessed right and tapped the ball wide to keep the clean sheet.

Both teams battled in the remaining minutes but the busmen came out with the better chances. Robert Lopez Mendy’s one-two combination with Schrock was blocked while the defense while twin chances from Ott and Porteria near the end were blocked by the visitor. The half ended with the home squad carrying a two goal cushion.

The Negros squad again pushed the tempo at the start of the half and scored another team goal after a good passing sequence after a broken play from Ott and Maranon saw the Spaniard unleash an inch perfect strike to the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Maranon completed his brace after a set-up from Porteria allowed him to poke the ball past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Aim Sovanarrath and score the team’s fourth goal.

Sean Kane almost made it five in the 88th minute but his header off a corner bounced off the post. Moments later Porteria tried an overhead kick but his attempt went wide. Chhin Chhoeun had a chance to score in injury time but the shot went wide.

The referee blew the final whistle as the Philippine champions took all three points in matchday one. The 4-1 win by Bali United over Than Quang Ninh meant that the Busmen would take leadership of Group G. They will face Than Quang Ninh next on February 25.

All photos from Ceres-Negros FC/Janb Dayrit

http://ceresfootball.com/ceres-negros-opens-afc-cup-campaign-4-0-win-svay-rieng/

BUSMEN LOOK TO START STRONG IN AFC CUP OPENER

Philippine champions Ceres-Negros FC take on Cambodian side Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC in their opening match in the 2020 AFC Cup on February 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

The Busmen who recently concluded their AFC Champions League campaign with a playoff defeat against FC Tokyo will look to start strong against the Cambodian League champions.

Svay Rieng FC dominated the C-League and only lost once during their 2019 title run which earned then qualification into the AFC Cup Playoff Round. There, they trashed Laos’ Master 7 FC with a 7-1 aggregate win.

The buildup of the Cambodian club leading to their opening AFC Cup match was impressive after big wins against Selangor FA and Brunei DPMM make them the legitimate dark horses of Group G which also features Bali United and Than Quang Ninh.

Team Captain Stephan Schrock will see action for the Negros side after missing the ACL Playoff match with accumulated cards. Returnee Manny Ott will also be reinforce the squad with his recent transfer and will be availableon matchday one with the rest of the Busmen.

“I think we have been preparing very well,” said Ceres-Negros striker Robert Lopez Mendy who made it to the final round of the AFC Champions League qualifying. “I think we are ready. We are ready for the challenge we have. We have good players and we can still get stronger.”

Ceres-Negros Coach Risto Vidakovic knows that he is in a tough group in the ASEAN Zone but he sees the desire of the team to succeed in their fifth year of qualification in the group stages.

“The team has very high motivation to face the AFC Cup. We played already the last four times and now were highly motivated to start the game,” said the Ceres-Negros mentor.

The PFL Champions will also face Than Quang Ninh at home on February 25 dues to schedule change and Indonesian champions Bali United on March 11.

Kickoff is set at 730pm in Manila’s famed stadium. Match tickets are free and will be available at the stadium gates. The match will be shown live on Cable TV channel Fox Sports 2.

http://ceresfootball.com/busmen-looks-start-strong-afc-cup-opener/

New Look Kaya FC–Iloilo Kickoff Third AFC Cup Campaign Against Champions of Myanmar

AFC Cup 2020 | Group H
Shan United Vs. Kaya FC–Iloilo
Wednesday | February 12, 2020
5PM Kickoff (Philippine Time)
Thuwanna Stadium, Yangon

After a busy off season, Kaya FC–Iloilo are 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 domestic seasons, they went unbeaten in 22 matches en route to the title last year. Bannered by their Burmese 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)

http://www.kayafc.com/news/new-look-kaya-fc-iloilo-kickoff-third-afc-cup-campaign-against-champions-of-myanmar/

MANNY OTT COMES HOME, LOOKS FORWARD TO AFC CUP

Philippines midfielder Manny Ott returned to Ceres-Negros after spending a year in Thailand with Ratchaburi Mitr Pohl FC. The longtime national player came back just in time for Ceres-Negros as they start their 2020 AFC Cup campaign.

“I’m very happy coming back home,” said the veteran center half. “Ceres has always been a part of my family and I’m just excited about it. After my injury and after a long season without really playing, I’m really looking to get back in the competition and help the team.”

After featuring in all three games of the Azkals in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Ott figured in a freak training injury just before the start of the Thai League season with his new club. He was in rehabilitation for the most part of the year before featuring in a few games with limited minutes near the end.

“It wasn’t the easiest,” Ott bared. “Everything was running smoothly but the injury wasn’t something you plan for. Its done, I got over it, and now I just wanna move forward getting back to where I was. I want to get back my rhythm and get some playing time” he added.

Ott joins the squad who just finished a grueling AFC Champions League campaign where they beat regional champions in Shan United and Port FC before bowing out against an elite Asian team in FC Tokyo. The midfielder would be a welcome addition to the squad after being a key cog in the past campaigns especially with the 2017 AFC Cup Asean Zone title.

“I’ve missed competing int the AFC Cup”, said Ott. “There’s a lot of pride and honor in playing in continental competition with Ceres-Negros. I just want to have a good start now with the upcoming game and I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

He wouldn’t have to look further as he and Ceres-Negros will battle Cambodia champs Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC on February 11 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

http://ceresfootball.com/manny-ott-comes-home-looks-forward-afc-cup/