by Jonas Terrado
Games Today (Rizal Memorial Stadium)
4 p.m. – Green Archers vs Mendiola
7 p.m. – Air Force vs Kaya
The Philippine Premier League finally kicks off its inaugural season today with Kaya-Iloilo taking on Air Force as part of a doubleheader at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Kaya finally gets to play in the domestic front after spending most of the past few months in the AFC Cup in the 7 p.m. match against an Air Force side that is eager to make an impression in its return to top-flight competition.
Green Archers United faces Mendiola 1991 at 4 p.m. to usher in the league that hopes to be sustainable following the demise of the two-year Philippines Football League.
Ceres-Negros, which won all of the two editions of the defunct PFL, will also see action while Global Makati and Stallion Laguna are still trying to meet some requirements in order to join the league.
PPL Commissioner Bernie Sumayao said admission is free for the opening set of matches while the Kaya-Air Force encounter will be aired live on UHF channel 5Plus.
Kaya is favored to start the season on a high note after playing high-profile matches in the AFC Cup.
Striker Jovin Bedic and goalkeeper Michael Casas are expected to lead Kaya’s quest to get the full three points against the Airmen, whose last big league appearance was in the defunct United Football League.
Former national team mainstay Yanti Barsales, aged 45, is one of the notable faces on the Air Force side.
