POWERHOUSE Ceres-La Salle guns for a United Football League championship double as it collides with Kaya tonight in the UFL Cup final at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Despite the impending absence of standout midfielder Manny Ott, the Bacolod side, which ruled the league competition in runaway fashion, remains a heavy favorite in the 8:15 p.m. duel with a Kaya side still in search for its first trophy.
A victory by Ceres will give it a third straight trophy, including the title in the FA League Cup last year.
Ott, the top player in the league competition, will sit out the final due to suspension after picking up his second yellow card in the second half of Ceres’ 1-0 win over Loyola Meralco in the semifinals.
Kaya will also miss a key player in defender Alfred Osei, who was sent off against Stallion in their Last Four duel.
But the side which went through two coaches this season is motivated by the possibility of playing international football next season as the UFL Cup champion will be rewarded with an AFC Cup playoff berth.
“It’s all about the AFC Cup spot for us; That’s our motivation for the final,” said Kaya manager Paul Tolentino. “It will be tough beating Ceres, but we have a group that’s very motivated and determined to make this a successful season for us.”
Ceres has already clinched an AFC Cup spot as an incentive for winning the league. If Ceres wins, Global will be given the second AFC Cup berth for finishing second in the league.
OJ Porteria has been outstanding for Kaya in the tournament, scoring in the semifinal win over Stallion. The side also has a wealth of experienced players in the likes of Chris Greatwich, Masa Omura and Louis Clark.
But Ceres’ depth has been its strength this season and Ott’s absence could pave the way for either Marwin Angeles or Paul Mulders to start. Patrick Reichelt and Bien Maranon provide the attacking threat along with Orman Okunaiya who struck the winner over the Sparks last Tuesday.
Stallion and Loyola Meralco clash in the third place battle at 5:15 p.m.