Graham Harvey, Kaya FC’s head coach said it was his pride and his team. In the match against Sydney FC in the AFC Champions League 2022 qualifying round tomorrow.
In 2021, Kaya FC qualified for the group stage first time of this tournament after defeating Shanghai Port FC in the play-off round.
However, after “Changchun Yatai”, the team from China, which is the team that stood waiting in the play-off round Announcing the withdraw from the competition. Make the winning team in this qualifying match will be eligible to pass into the group stage in Group H immediately.
“To have the opportunity to lead our side in Australia is a proud moment for myself and the team,” Graham Harvey, said.
“We know we’re facing one of the best sides in Australian football. They’ve played in the AFC Champions League many times, they’re a strong side with the silverware to show for it and have a plenty of great players in their squad.”
“But we are happy with our preparations. We’ve done our homework, we follow the A-League very closely, and we’re confident of our plan and how we intend to play, while also being respectful of our opponents,”
Harvey admitted that although the scenario his team faces has some parallels with Ceres’ famous victory four years ago, the match and opponents should be judged on their own merits.
“You take inspiration from it (Ceres’ win over Brisbane Roar), but it’s a different situation,”.
“You can always look back in history and appreciate those big milestone moments, it was a big result for Filipino football, but we have to focus on what Sydney can do and how our team will play.”
In addition, Harvey also spoke about the team’s Filipino-Australian midfielder Jesse Currans. who recently moved from Muangthong United at the beginning of last year, and returning home for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Jesse hasn’t been back home for a few years, so I know he’s had a chance to see some family for the first time in a long time,”
“He has fit in really well with our squad, and he’s got a lot of experience not only in his position but also playing globally. That experience can only help us and the younger members of the squad.
“Jesse has obviously got that extra desire and motivation to do well and prove himself on home turf as he never had the chance to make an appearance in the A-League. Like the rest of our team, the stage is set for him.”
The AFC Champions League 2022 qualifying round between Sydney FC (Australia) VS Kaya FC (Philippines) will be played on 8 March at 4:30 pm. (Malaysian time) at Jubilee Oval Stadium, Sydney
Credit Photo : Kaya FC
