Architect of success — Tolentino leads Kaya FC-Iloilo to greater heights

The year that is about to end proved to be a fruitful one for Kaya FC-Iloilo.

Success and victories abounded for the franchise's youth, women's and premier men's squads.

Behind these achievements is the club's president Paul Tolentino who painstakingly assembled its competitive teams and oversaw the recruitment of top caliber booters.

Under the 41-year-old Tolentino's watch, Kaya ruled the Philippine Football Federation under-19 second division national championship as well as the Women's League.

But the Lions' biggest triumph came from its men's squad after copping its breakthrough Philippines Football League title along with a third Copa Paulino Alcantara. 

Tolentino never doubted the club's capability and firmly believed that the team was ripe to win it all in the biggest stage of local football.   

"From the beginning of the league, I firmly believe we had the best team, and I wanted them to believe it," Tolentino said.

"It took a long time but it's very worth it. It feels like extra gratifying for the group, especially since there have been a lot of challenges for Kaya this past 16 months, 18 months. But we carried a largely homegrown squad and they were still able to get the job done."

Kaya staved off the tough challenge by Cebu FC and collected 55 points to clinch the crown behind the heroics of Japanese forward Daizo Horikoshi, Azkals pool member Jarvey Gayoso and the steady guidance of head coach Yu Hoshide.

Kaya hit a snag after a winless Asian Football Confederation Champions League but was able to rebound mightily with a third Copa title with Northern Irish coach Colum Curtison at the helm.

The club orchestrated a 10-game unbeaten run in the Copa capped by a 1-1 (4-3) win over Davao Aguilas FC last 9 December at the same historic Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Tolentino also mentioned the right mix of local and foreign players in the club was one of the keys to their success.

"The foreign players did their job, but all the local players more than adequately did their job and exceeded expectations," Tolentino said.

Apart from Horikoshi, Kaya also had the services of Argentinian Ricki Sendra, Abou Sy of Senegal and Japanese footballer Akito Saito in its conquest.

Tolentino is specifically impressed with Horikoshi, who has been with the club since 2020. The prized booter scored a combined total of 21 goals in the PFL and Copa.

"He has put in the hard work. He has been with us since 2020. He's put in a lot of hard work to improve himself and I'm very pleased for him."

Kaya's youth squad also chipped in for the franchise after dealing Palawan FC a 7-0 thrashing in the national championship last 9 December.

On the other hand, national team members Inna Palacios and Hali Long bannered Kaya's women's club to a 1-0 win over Manila Digger FC to be named as the Women's League champions.

Kaya defeated Manila Digger FC 1-0 in the final last 11 November at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

"I told the PFF president (Nonong Araneta) that we are proud to be the first club team to win the Women's League. I think that sums up how I feel about it," Tolentino told DAILY TRIBUNE.

"Coach Let (Dimzon) was a big part of the recruitment of players who wanted to play for Kaya. Consistency was hard since there were those getting called up to the national team and we also had players who graduated high school and studied abroad. Some players stayed for the league and they were a huge part in winning this game. I'm extremely grateful to all of them."

After a successful run this year, expect Kaya FC-Iloilo to go all out when its title defense starts next year.

You can bet Tolentino will be watching from the sidelines and trying his best to fortify his squad.