Global-Kaya rivalry rekindled as Cebu, Makati collide in mid-week PFL clash

Robert Mendy is among the marked men for Kaya in its showdown against fierce rival Global. (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--A new chapter in the rivalry between Global and Kaya will begin on Wednesday night.

And it will take place at the site where the rift began to flourish.

Global, now representing Cebu, and Kaya, now representing Makati, lock horns in their first PFL matchup at the Rizal Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.

The match is credited as a Cebu home game as a result of the club's ground-sharing agreement with Meralco Manila with the new USC Football Stadium still under construction.

Both Cebu and Makati are currently tied in second place with four points behind league-leading Manila with Makati just ahead on goal difference.

"It's another tough game. We're tight scheduled in tomorrow's game against Kaya. Kaya is a good team," said Cebu coach Marjo Allado.

Allado later said that all eyes will be on Makati's African scorers Robert Mendy and Jordan Mintah.

"They have good strikers, so we have to prepare how to defend them. Last game, they played well," Allado quipped, referring to Makati's 2-0 home win against Davao on Saturday night, where Mintah scored the match's first goal and Mendy threatened the visiting side late in the match.

The Global-Kaya rivalry became an anticipated derby in the UFL, even dubbed by some fans as the league's "Clasico".

The rivalry reached its peak in the final night of the 2012 season, when the league championship, which both clubs vied, was decided at the said venue. Global clinched the championship with a 1-0 win against Manila, formerly known as Loyola, that put the team ahead of Kaya, which won earlier in that night, on goal difference.

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