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| Kaya Iloilo GM Paul Tolentino, skipper Jovin Bedic, and head coach Noel Marcaida relayed the sad news. |
By Dugout Philippines
ILOILO CITY--Despite ensuring all necessary requirements were met to host their first Philippines Football League match at the Iloilo Sports Complex, Kaya FC–Iloilo have been denied their debut in the nation’s football capital. The PFL communicated to the club, that Wednesday’s opponents, Global Cebu, would be unable to travel to Iloilo, effectively forfeiting the match.
“We’re very sad and disappointed because we were really looking forward to playing our first game here in Iloilo, and showing the fans what Kaya FC is all about, and hopefully gaining the support and admiration of the Province of Iloilo,” said Kaya FC–Iloilo General Manager, Paul Tolentino. “We deem this action to be extremely unprofessional, and disrespectful both to the club, and to everyone in Iloilo that was looking forward to watching an entertaining game tomorrow. We fully expect the PFL to deal with the issue seriously and to hand out the appropriate sanctions.”
“As a player, syempre very disappointed, especially since hindi ako makakalaro ng first game ko in my hometown. Yung mga teammates ko din, excited na kaming lahat na makapaglaro. Yung local governemnt ginawa din lahat para masuportahan kami,” rued Barotac Nuevo-native Jovin Bedic. “Hindi ko lang alam ah, baka natakot lang din sila. Syempre yung crowd ng Iloilo, iba yan eh. Sino ba namang hindi [ma-intimidate]?”
“I want to take this opportunity to thank all the people who really made this venue possible for May 2nd. As the game drew closer, the excitement was really building. We’re frustrated with the issue right now because, we were really hyped to play our first game in Iloilo — our new home, and a new challenge,” said Iloilo head coach Noel Marcaida. I have friends from Manila and Negros who traveled to watch the game. May mga nag-leave para makapanood. With the situation, hindi namin hawak yung control kung ano ang magiging decision ng mga club.
“For tomorrow, we’re turning it into more of clinic and a meet and greet. We’ll also be working with local coaches to see if its possible to have a friendly against one of the collegiate teams. It won’t be an official match of course, but there’ll still be something that we can give back to those who come to the venue,” said Paul Tolentino.
All tickets for the May 2 match will be honored at any future Kaya FC–Iloilo home game. Simply bring the ticket to the Iloilo Sports Complex.
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