HISTORY. A toast for the Philippines Football League. Photo by Cedelf Tupas
Powerhouse clubs Kaya-Makati and Ceres-Negros clash on May 6 in the maiden match of the inaugural season of the Philippines Football League which was launched in a glittering ceremony on Friday night at Shangri-La Fort in Taguig.
The first ever PFL match, kicking off at 4 p.m. will be played at Kaya’s home, the University of Makati Stadium, and will be aired live on Peoples Television, the league’s official broadcast partner.
Stallion Laguna hosts Meralco Manila at Binan Stadium at 7 p.m. in the second match of opening day.
All eight pioneering clubs are actually in action on opening weekend with Ilocos United hosting Davao Aguilas on May 7 at 4 p.m. at Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur. JPV Marikina battles Global Cebu in the last fixture of the weekend.
There was an air of optimism at the launch with clubs and the Philippine Football Federation finally realizing the dream of the formation of the country’s first truly professional football league.
“We are bringing the passion and the love for the Beautiful Game to different parts of the country with the PFL,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.
“This is a dream come true for all of us involved in this project. We appreciate the time, effort and resources put in by the clubs to make the PFL possible. We’ve taken the next step for Philippine football.”
The PFL was formed after close to four years of planning and organizing with a PFF task force, with the help of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the International Football Federation (Fifa).
The league has partnered with Peoples Television (PTV) for the airing of two live matches every weekend, Gastanes said. The live matches will be aired on Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m.
“This is truly an unprecedented endeavor,” said PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes. “We are looking forward to a vibrant and exciting first season ahead for the PFL.”
The PFL will be the basis of nomination for AFC club competitions, particularly the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup, where Global and Ceres are currently seeing action.
Gastanes expressed optimism of the league’s success with the help of stakeholders of the sport and sponsors.
“We pray all stakeholders- club owners, players, coaches, match officials, fans and sports media will all help to grow and nurture the league,” Gastanes added.