Defending champion Kaya FC-Iloilo will stake its unbeaten record against the PFF Youth National Team when the Philippines Football League (PFL) resumes today at the University of the Philippines Football Field.

The Lions will face the Youth National Team at 4 p.m. to look for their sixth straight win of the current season in the first PFL match in 2025.

Kaya finished 2024 on a high note following a 1-0 win over One Taguig FC last 1 December to finish on top of the standings with a 5-1-0 win-draw-loss record.

Meanwhile, the Youth National Team is currently at the eighth spot with a 2-1-3 record and is coming off a convincing 3-1 victory over Davao Aguilas-UMak FC last 30 November.

On paper, Kaya can dominate the Youth National Team, especially with the return of midfielder Gavin Muens from being loaned to One Taguig. National team midfielder Pocholo Bugas will also be fortifying the Kaya’s title bid after being loaned by Cambodian side Angkor Tiger FC.

Also returning from a loan spell is Nathan Bata after his three-month stint with the Youth National Team.

With Patrick Deyto still injured after competing in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, Walid Birrou is expected to be Kaya’s main goalkeeper while Bata will remain as a backup.

While Kaya saw the departure of key players Daizo Horikshi, Robert Lopez Mendy, and Park Yi Young, head coach Yu Hoshide said everyone in the squad is ready for the PFL, especially after their 1-2 loss to Cong An Ha Noi FC of Vietnam in the Shopee Cup two weeks ago at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

“Most of the players are ready to play so we have to do that, especially last year,” Hoshide said.

Forward Shuto Komaki is currently one of the top scorers in the PFL with seven goals.

Mark Swainston said what’s fueling Kaya’s drive to the PFL title is the opportunity to compete in prestigious international tournaments like the Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League 2.

“We want to defend our title. We want to ensure we will play in these competitions next season,” Swainston said.