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| Jarvey Gayoso: PFL champion. Instagram / Jarvey Gayoso |
by Drew Malihan
MANILA - Kaya FC-Iloilo's wingman Jarvey Gayoso has added another gold in his award shelf, this time a first Philippines Football League medal, his first in his four-year pro career.
Gayoso netted the winning goal, an 85th minute strike that went past Stallion Laguna's defense, in their 3-1 victory against the Biñan-based team to formally take the title to Iloilo Sports Complex.
"It feels good. We've been chasing for a while now," the 26-year-old said in a post-game interview inside the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Saturday. "We just want to commit everything and we do our best to get here."
However, the journey has not been easy for the former Ateneo standout who, after winning two UAAP championships, four Best Striker awards, and two MVP recognitions, decided to go pro and signs with the Azkals Development Team in 2020 before a cancelled transfer to Thai League outfit Muangthong United.
"It's all part of the game," Gayoso said. "We always have to step up as a process," noting the chance he got from Kaya to sign him before the start of the 2022-23 season after being loaned by ADT during the 2021 AFC Champions League.
The forward make quick work, sliding comfortably under manager Yu Hoshide's tactics and seeing 22 caps for the champions.
"I expect complications (integrating to the system) but at the same time they know how to utilize me to the best that we can," he quipped.
Gayoso did integrate quickly within Hoshide's system, scoring 12 goals in the season, finishing second in the Golden Boot race behind teammate Daizo Horikoshi with 15.
Affirming his happiness being part of Kaya-Iloilo squad, he assures them of paying them back in the upcoming Copa Paulino Alcantara and the AFC Champions League.
"No matter what happens, I'll always be a Kaya, be part of Kaya. Kaya will always be in my heart so I'll be playing for Kaya if given the opportunity," the forward said.
With him taking a month's break before going back for the Copa, Gayoso is looking forward for a possible match against his former team the Blue Eagles.
"Oo naman, exciting. [Yes, it will be exciting], he said."
Follow him on Twitter: @drew_corner
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