After ending the 2021 season on a high with the Copa trophy in hand and a first-time AFC Champions League berth in the books, Kaya FC-Iloilo entered the offseason with the intention of building on that success this year. Following some emotional departures, the return of some fan favorites, and an influx of young talent, the new-look roster is primed to make some noise on the domestic and continental stages.
Retirements: Louie Michael Casas, Masanari Omura
Departures: Dylan de Bruycker (Nakhon Ratchasima) Marwin Angeles (Persik), Marco Casambre (Loan to Sukhothai), Kenshiro Daniels (Unattached)
Additions: Mar Vincent Diano (ADT), Oskari Kekkonen (ADT), Robert Lopez Mendy (Svay Rieng), Sandro Reyes (ADT), Jarvey Gayoso (ADT), Jesse Curran (Muangthong)
Kaya’s squad depth took a hit over the break, leaving some key positions vacant for the first time in a while. Club legend Masanari Omura called it a career after a decade playing in yellow and black, while homegrown icon Louie Michael Casas decided to retire and be with his family in the United States. Kenshiro Daniels has similarly opted to remain in the States to stay closer to family and to explore his options there. Former vice-captain Marwin Angeles moved to a club in Indonesia, while both Dylan de Bruycker and Marco Casambre took their talents to Thailand (albeit Marco’s is a loan deal and he’s expected to be back mid-season).
The front office promptly got to work: bringing back a fan favorite, several blue-chippers entering their primes, and some of the country’s most exciting young prospects.
Oskari Kekkonen and Sandro Reyes are coming off an impressive showing for the national team at the AFF U-23 Championship. Kekkonen did well to fulfill the responsibilities bestowed upon him with the captain’s armband, while Reyes had a breakout performance and finished as one of the best players in the tournament.
Jarvey Gayoso and Mar Vincent Diano enter the fold after two standout seasons with the Azkals Development Team, and Jesse Curran comes in as one of the most experienced players on the squad despite his age. All three are projected to become regulars on the Azkals for the foreseeable future.
Lastly, Robert Lopez Mendy is back and ready to reclaim his glory days with Iloilo, adding an explosive piece to the attacking front. All in all, Kaya used the offseason to bring immediate reinforcements while building for the future at the same time.
Without further ado, here are the official squad numbers for the 2022 Season:
- 1 – Zach Banzon | Goalkeeper
- 5 – Camelo Tacusalme | Defender
- 6 – Oskari Kekkonen | Midfielder
- 7 – Jovin Bedic | Forward
- 8 – Jesse Curran | Midfielder/Winger
- 9 – Eric Giganto | Winger
- 10 – Arnel Amita | Midfielder
- 12 – Mar Vincent Diano | Defender
- 13 – Jhan Melliza | Midfielder
- 14 – Ryo Fujii | Midfielder
- 15 – Marco Casambre | Defender (Out on Loan)
- 17 – Robert Lopez Mendy | Forward
- 18 – Jarvey Gayoso | Winger/Forward
- 19 – Carlyle Mitchell | Defender
- 20 – Daizo Horikoshi | Winger/Midfielder
- 21 – Sandro Reyes | Midfielder
- 22 – Fitch Arboleda | Winger/Defender
- 23 – Simone Rota | Defender
- 27 – Shirmar Felongco | Defender/Winger
- 44 – Audie Menzi | Defender
Though things are set to kickoff in a little over a week from now, the possibility remains for a last-second addition to the ranks. Regardless, the majority of this year’s cast is set and the soonest we’ll see the boys on the pitch is on Tuesday, March 8 versus Sydney FC. We’ll see you there!
https://www.kayafc.com/news/kaya-fc-iloilos-2022-offseason-roundup/
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