The sudden cancellation of the Kaya FC versus Stallions UFL game, due to lighting and unplayable field conditions, caused much controversy about the league’s existing rules and regulations. The contentious decision to replay the match from the start, cause quite an uproar among the teams and supporters of the league, considering Kaya FC’s 1-0 lead in the second half of the match. Despite the leagues decision, it was clear that proceeding matches would be effected and the future outcome of similar situations would need a sound pronouncement to set precedent.
As one of Kaya’s highly anticipated matches of the UFL second round, the Stallion replay was a game felt by many as a game who’s defining lead was hard fought only to be taken away and the score made illegitimate. Although harsh realities were upon the team, Kaya confidently took on the challenging task of justifying the previous score line. Unfortunately, the game enduring ended in a 1-1 draw.
The result could not be left untold, without mentioning the heart stopping last minute penalty kick awarded to an exhilarated Stallions team. What would have been the favorable deciding last play of the game, quickly turned into a bullet dodged by a Kaya team with their heals on the goal line. With Kaya’s keeper Saba Sadehi’s magnificent kick save, and as Stallion‘s striker miss hits the rebound clear wide, Kaya held on to more than just the tied score, they held on to their luck. At a instant what seemed to Kaya as a disappointing draw having missed their change to regain a victory quickly turned into a thankful moment that proved to be a lucky conclusion. Although the one point draw seemed short of a glorious second time win, for Kaya it remained a fortunate result considering fate could have been less sympathetic.
Some might call it luck and some might call it fate, but either way the long awaited outcome stands: Head to head at a dramatic draw. Those were the cards that were dealt and now both teams might be able to count their blessings.
Shortly after playing Stallions, a turn of events in the league created a three way tie for first place, with Global, Loyola and Kaya at the top of the table. The first big match up on the tie breaking schedule, was none other than the “El Classico” of the Philippines, the “mother of all match ups,” the “battle of supporters,” and one of the most long awaited matches: Kaya FC versus Loyola Meralco Sparks.
With the heartbreaking yet triumphant comeback result for Loyal in their first match up during the UFL Cup, to the disappointing loss in UFL first round rematch, Kaya’s history with Loyola has always been one for the fans and one for the spectators. When the high profiles of each team and the passionate fan base are schedule for a meeting, the game is surely thrilling and electrifying to say the least.
This time the high seat and coveted number one spot on top of the standing was at stake. With the University of Makati buzzing with excitement, the underdog Kaya squad shock the enthusiastic wave of orange with an opening goal. With the game off to a surprising start, Loyola scored an equalizer early in the second half to even the playing field, making the game interesting. With fans on the edge of their seat, Kaya responded with a go ahead goal nearing the end of the match. With minute to go and what seemed to be the game winner in hand, Kaya tried to run the clock down and Loyola persistently chased the match. Down to the wire, Loyola was faced with the very last play of the game. As the ball sailed slowly into the box, it seemed like time was suspended and the hearts of spectator pounded in slow motion. A clearance out of the box would mean sweet victory of Kaya, as Loyola held dearly onto the last strands of hope. As the flight hung midair and players jumped, the ball slowly and seemingly skipped off a seas of heads and floated into the top corner of Kaya’s goal. With a blink of an eye, the game ended and the dramatic last second finish that erupted the stadium in pandemonium. Left deflated, shocked and appalled, Kaya’s long awaited victory over Loyola was yet again stolen, as the triumphant Sparks pulled off a jubilant last millisecond miracle play.
In the nick of time, the game ended in a spectacular and theatrical draw. Luck is a very interesting thing. They always say, hard work, determination and proper preparation combined with a little bit of luck is the equation for success. Likewise, shortcomings can be attributed to the lack in such factors. Throughout the bullet dodging Stallions draw, into Loyola’s fairytale comeback tie, there seemed to have been a whimsical presence of luck in the field of play. That might just be the Luck of the Draw.

Since I was introduced to the beautiful sport two decades ago, there has been a lot of memorable learning experiences that reach far beyond the technical and tactical aspects of the game. All the components of development and growth within learning any discipline is likewise prevalent in the success in football.  The amount of discipline, persistence and strategic training involved in a players growth will ultimately determine the level of professionalism they acquire.

Many players might reach a high level of performance, through the exploitation of their raw talents and hard work, but there are many aspects of professionalism that surpasses simply “putting a round object in the back of a net.” Such characteristics include an ethical methodology to development and moral approach to competition. This calls into account all phases of a players education while excelling towards becoming proficient and progressive footballer.  The mentalities instilled during their training, and the values attached to their approach will have a lasting effect on character whether it is on or off the field.

Success and failure in football like any sport or professional field will be determined by many factors. A players value system will be developed through the sport and equally, their value system will effect their development and performance.

Throughout my playing career as a youth, amateur, professional and international player, I have seen and personally experienced many instances where actions might question ones morals, values or professionalism. It is through these instances where ones principles might be promoted, instigated, or challenged and the decision to execute right from wrong is where we begin to shape who we are as people, as athletes and more importantly as professional role models.

From my diverse upbringing in the big city of New York, I have had the great opportunity to be exposed to many different cultures and all walks of life. Other peoples traditions, customs and ethnicities became learning experiences for me everywhere I looked. The mentalities and values of various people showed me that there is a vast perspective on everything, and nothing is left written in stone. Seeing, hearing and experiencing these points of view have helped shape who I am today and continue to form my own belief system. I feel very lucky to be able to absorb, understand and articulate some of the many outlooks I have encountered.

Living in Manila and playing in a different league in another country for the first time, is yet another learning ground for me and experiencing new mentalities can be invigoration and life changing. Most of all, such encounters promote reflection, reinforcement or change in a person’s future actions.

During the last season, we have been faced with many instances of violence. With the frustration level and stressors of the game rising, it did not surprise me such acts would occur. In fact throughout several matches that we have played, the boiling tensions between players on the field have escalated to explosive-near violent conditions.  As professionals, we are ready for any turmoil that comes our way, whether it is insulting language, offensive actions, or even physical violence, but that does not mean there is a place for it in the sport.  These instances really make you question the professionalism within players, especially when physical violence is extremely prevalent among teams and throughout the league.

Hard play, fouls and toughness will forever be a part of competition, but what will determine a players and a team’s professionalism will be how they distribute, exhibit, absorb this factors.  I hope that the with the onset of the games popularity, we can all attain a holistic approach to developing the sport, where by not only technical and tactical abilities can grow, but  we can also emphasize a genuine ethical and moral approach to the beautiful game.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

For More Articles for Lexton Moy Check out Soccerpirrs.com and Follow him on Twitter @LextonMoy

For the longest time, football has been regarded as the world’s sport. Captivating for it’s style, speed and creativity, football has created its profile as the leading sport used to unite nations around the world through magnificent displays of competition. People and countries are identified by unique tactics and skill. Diversity in playing style is something embraced and promoted. This diversity is what has excelled the sport to this day in age. Football’s progression can be attributed to this evolution and the combination of the multitude of cultural identities. The sport is the most exciting in the world for this very reason: Diversity.

Much like most teams in the world Kaya FC is home to many different cultures, ethnicities and identities. The personnel of the team is a proud mix of different contributing profiles from around the world. It is what makes the team unique and it is what makes the team progress. The onset of change, growth, and acceleration lays in the teams ability to embrace differences to promote adaptation and forward positive development. With out such qualities a team remains stagnant and immobile.

Kaya FC’s ideals and principles are reflections of the teams unity and brotherhood. The core values appreciate diversity for the better of the team and the better of the sport. With this in mind and at heart, it has been a true disappointment to the team and a constant struggle throughout the season to have to battle diversity’s ugly enemy: Racism.

The new UFL “Say No To Racism” campaign, introduced shortly after the start of the season, was a big relief for some teams. To know that the league is supporting such a cause to bring about awareness to the players, spectators, and supporters throughout the country, really shows the league commitment to a universal issue. Despite the collective effort by league, racism is still very much prevalent on the playing field.

It remains a constant challenge to Kaya when facing teams that exhibit racist comments and teams that use anti-Semitic remarks on the pitch. Racism is a disgusting and ignorant thing that reflects the lowest form of professionalism and it has no place in football, nor does it belong anywhere in society.

With the growth of football in this country accelerating at a rapid pace, it is Kaya’s goal to not only rise to the top of the league and raise the level of football, it is also important to make sure the sport’s foundation in a developing country reflects worldwide ethical and moral standards. Extensively supported by football’s governing body, FIFA, values such as “Fair Play” and “Anti-Racism” should be a criterion and model for matching the UFL League’s level to the highest ethics.

The challenge will remain until there is a zero tolerance to racism, and even after that point there is no guarantee that racism won’t find it’s way onto the field.  There will need to be a delicate balance of professionalism, in conjunction with the league rules to overcome such mentalities, and hopefully Kaya will be able to display their qualities in character, and show to all that football is much more than sport. It is a lifestyle, philosophy and perspective that replicate respectable values.

For More Information on KayaFC, Check out our NEWLY Launch Website KayaFC.COM

For More Articles for Lexton Moy Check out Soccerpirrs.com and Follow him on Twitter @LextonMoy