PFL kickoffs with dominant Kaya taking Philippine Army in opener – BusinessWorld Online
FOUR-peat-seeking Kaya FC-Iloilo goes to work right away as it headlines the teams in action in Philippines Football League (PFL)’s kickoff slate on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kaya, which completed a treble with 44 points last season, takes on the Philippine Army FC in the 2025–2026 opener at 4 p.m.
Manila Digger, runner-up last time with 43 points, launches its bid versus Valenzuela PB-Mendiola FC at 7 p.m.
Shuto Komaki, last season’s Golden Ball winner (MVP), leads the defending champions in the quest not only for continued PFL dominance but also breakthrough as Philippine bet in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2).
“I think it will be a difficult season, but I’m confident I can play my usual game and help the team,” said Komaki, who joins forces with the likes of Simone Rota, Patrick Deyto, Joven Bedic, Marwin Angeles and Marco Casambre in this mission.
“Our goal is to become the champions in the PFL (and) advance to the knockout stage in the ACL2,” he said.
The reigning PFL kingpin is set to battle Korea’s Pohang Steelers, Thailand’s BG Pathum United and Singapore’s Tampines Rovers in Group H of the ACL2, Asia’s second-tier club football tournament, beginning Sept. 18.
Kaya needs to finish in the Top 2 to advance to the Round-of-16. Last year, the Iloilo-based club wound up third in Group E with four points on a 1-1-4 win-draw-loss card to bow out. — Olmin Leyba
