The stage is set for the PFF Women’s League 2023 sponsored by Coca-Cola Philippines final this Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila between Kaya FC-Iloilo and Manila Digger FC.
The first all-club final will kick-off at 7:00 pm preceded by the Third Place match between collegiate rivals De La Salle University and Far Eastern University at 4:00 pm.
Led by Filipinas standouts Hali Long and Inna Palacios, Kaya mustered its way in the elimination stage at the top of the table with 22 points with seven wins, one draw, and one defeat with a whopping +36 goal differential before edging three-time champions De La Salle University, 2-1, in the semi-finals.
Kaya will lean on forward Shelah Cadag (12 goals) and midfielder Camille Rodriguez (7 goals) in the final.
“Facing against Manila Digger can be both exciting and challenging. We’ve worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and now, it’s time for the final showdown,” said Kaya head coach Marnelli Dimzon. “I encourage the players to maintain focus and adapt to setbacks and challenges during a game. fostering a positive and resilient mindset, emphasizing teamwork, and reminding players to stay composed under pressure. It’s about maintaining a never-give-up attitude.”
Manila Digger, on the other hand, finished third in the eliminations sporting a similar record, however a +21 goal differential saw them finish third in the standings behind FEU, which they dispatched in the semi-finals following a nervy 4-3 penalty shootout win.
Candida Quarshie has been a constant threat for Manila Digger in the elimination stage with eight goals to her name.
“Kaya, is one of the bests team in this tournament. We are not at all worried or pressured preparing for the finals,” said Manila Digger head coach Gerard Orcullo. “We just go on our usual training sessions, improving our players the best way they can be, and to beat Kaya will be a big boost to the morale of our players and the team.”
The two teams last met in the elimination round last 21 August 2023 at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite with both teams settling for a scoreless draw in a tight clash which saw Kaya get denied the winner as Charisa Lemoran’s strike was denied by the cross bar.