Kaya Embarks on AFC Cup Campaign with Baptism of Fire Against Kitchee

(Photo courtesy of Kaya Football Club)

February 22, 2016 - Manila Kaya FC is all set to begin its maiden campaign in the AFC Cup, marking the highest level of competition the club has experienced in its almost 20-year history.  On Tuesday, February 23 at 7:45pm, the journey starts with a baptism of fire against Hong Kong giants and recent AFC Cup quarter finalists, Kitchee.

After winning the UFL Cup last season, Kaya became one of two Filipino teams that qualified to play in the highly acclaimed Asian club tournament in 2016.

"It's a tremendous honor for us to be representing the Philippines in regional competition", said coach Chris Greatwich. "I think largely we've underachieved in domestic competition. Last season, in the [UFL] Cup, we put our best foot forward. I think we put in some really good displays. And I think we're well worthy of representing the UFL in the competition."

Over the course of the next few months, Kaya will play in six AFC Cup group games, with three of the matches hosted in Manila City's Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. Placed in Group F, Kaya will play home and away against Hong Kong's Kitchee, Maldives' New Radiant, and Singapore's Balestier Khalsa. 

Although warmly received by Filipinos based in Hong Kong, Kaya is expecting a challenging atmosphere against a seasoned AFC Cup outfit on Tuesday night.

"Kitchee, obviously on paper will be the favorites to qualify. [They're] experienced at this level, [and they have a] number of their players in the national team set up with Hong Kong," Greatwich explained.

Well aware of the step up in competition, the first-year coach and former Philippine National Team star is excited by the prospect of delivering an unexpected blow to the home side.

"What better way to start our campaign than to go into the lion's den and play them at their home field [in our] first game. I think the boys are excited and will embrace the challenge," he said. "If we're well prepared and we go into the game with confidence, I don't see why we can't, on the day, produce what some people may see as a shock."