Ceres starts title defense against Kaya tonight

Two-time champion Ceres-La Salle begins its title-retention quest against a formidable Kaya side tonight in the PFF Smart Club Championship at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. with the Bacolod-based side looking to gain a decisive edge in the tournament’s “Group of Death” where Loyola Meralco and Laos are also bracketed.

The Sparks, led by the country’s international leading scorer, Phil Younghusband, face Laos at 4 p.m.

Another title favorite, Global FC, won’t see action until tomorrow when Group B hostilities begin.

The reigning United Football League champions have been handed what coach Leigh Manson said was a “kinder draw” with Iloilo’s Stallion and regional qualifiers Erco of Cebu and M’lang of North Cotabato also in the group.

Only the top two sides from the two groups will advance to the semifinals in the tournament that will run until Jan. 31.

After winning the UFL’s FA League Cup late last year, Ceres is hard-pressed to sustain its fine form with national team player Paul Mulders expected to make his debut for the side.

But Ceres manager Ali Go said surviving Group A will be tough.

“Any team can win the group,” said Go at the tournament press conference attended by PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes and Epok Quimpo of Smart Sports. “We are looking forward to the challenge.”

Apart from Mulders, Ceres has also signed Fil-Swiss midfielder Martin Steuble as the club continues to beef up in preparation for the AFC Cup.

Manson said they can’t afford to take their group lightly, stressing that they know little about Erco and M’lang.