Kaya faces Stallion; Chieffy back on Air Force wings

CHIEFFY Caligdong makes his much-awaited Air Force return even as Kaya tries to solidify its hold of top spot when it collides with Stallion today in the United Football League at the University of Makati field.

Sidelined by a knee injury since late January, Caligdong, who played in all five games of the national team in the AFC Challenge Cup in Nepal, is expected to start when the Airmen face Global at 2 p.m.

With six victories in seven matches, Kaya will be looking to go six points clear at the top in the 4 p.m. duel with a dangerous Stallion side that beefed up its roster during the transfer window.

Stallion signed up University of Santo Tomas striker OJ Clariño, Korean midfielder Kim Tae-won and former CF Madrid striker Rufo Sanchez during the transfer window, boosting a squad that has made the biggest impact among the newcomers in the first division.

Though Stallion went into the three-week break on a losing note after bowing to Global, 0-1, manager Ernie Nierras said the squad stayed sharp by undergoing camp in Iloilo.

Clariño, a veteran of the Southeast Asian Games last year, and Kim are available for the clash with Kaya, which is still hoping that ace defender Jason Sabio will be fully fit to deal with the Stallion threat.

Sabio hurt his knee while on national team duty in Nepal. Kaya, though, will welcome back Eric Dagroh, who missed the 3-1 win over Nomads last Wednesday due to suspension.

But the spotlight will be on Caligdong, who was injured in the 2-2 draw with Army last Jan. 28.

Air Force has won its last three matches with national player Ian Araneta at the helm with four goals.

Angel Guirado and older brother, Juani, who combined for three goals for the Azkals in Nepal, as well as Misagh Bahadoran return to a Global side that also acquired twins Marwin and Marvin Angeles from second division side Laos.

Marwin is the more experienced campaigner of the two, having played in five matches in the Challenge Cup.