Global, Ceres XIs resume rivalry

AFC Cup-bound sides Global and Ceres renew their rivalry in the PFF Smart Club Championship that kicks off Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The two  disputed the UFL’s Football Alliance League Cup last year with reigning Smart Club champion Ceres prevailing, 2-1, in a thrilling final.

But Global is expected to come out strong with a slew of new players beefing up the side that captured the UFL League crown and the FA Charity Cup last year.

Both Ceres and Global will be using the tournament to also prepare for their maiden stint in the AFC Cup. Ceres will face Maldives side Maziya FC in a playoff next month, while Global, as league champions, are already in the group stage where it will face Pahang of Malaysia, South China of Hong Kong and Yadanarbon of Myanmar.

The eight-team cast in the Smart Club Championship also includes Iloilo’s Stallion FC, Cebu’s Erco FC, Laos FC of Leyte, M’lang of North Cotabato and UFL sides Loyola Meralco and Kaya.

Erco has reportedly beefed up its side with the acquisition of former Azkals skipper Chieffy Caligdong on loan from Green Archers United along with Raymark Fernandez.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups tomorrow with the official draw set at the PFF office in Pasig. Only the top two sides from each group will make the semis.