Kaya FC-Iloilo is rooting for its players — Hali Long and Inna Palacios — as the national women's team opens its campaign in the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Kaya team manager and media marketing director Josue Jamlang said they are proud of Long and Palacios, who are tipped to play key roles when the Filipinas battle Switzerland in the World Cup opener at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand on Friday.

"We're very proud to have two standout individuals and members of Kaya FC to be part of the Women's World Cup. It's an incredible achievement and incredible is an understatement," Jamlang said in a phone conversation with Daily Tribune.

"Making it to the pinnacle of international football is an unbelievable feat for a country like the Philippines and quite honestly, this is a once-in-a-lifetime situation for our country."

Jamlang added that having Long and Palacio waving the flag of Kaya in the international arena is such a proud moment as it inspires the youth to work hard and become part of the national team in the future.

"An event of this magnitude should be seen in the country as possible. I think it's a fantastic occasion for people to see that the Filipinas can compete and thrive on the world stage," said Jamlang, who also thanked Cignal TV for broadcasting the World Cup in the country.

"I think it's a very important message that we have to understand that we as a country have the capability to compete on the world stage."