Ceres, Kaya face off in PFF-Smart opener

Matches today (Rizal Memorial Stadium)

4 p.m. – Loyola Meralco FC vs Laos FC

7 p.m. – Ceres La Salle FC vs Kaya FC

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s top clubs, led by reigning two-time champion Ceres La Salle FC of Negros Occidental, kick off their bid for football supremacy today in the PFF-Smart National Club Championship at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Ceres, which scored a coup by signing up Azkals stalwart Martin Steuble recently, launches its three-peat bid against Kaya FC in the 7 p.m. main game of an opening double-header also pitting Loyola Meralco Sparks against Laos FC of Leyte in the first encounter at 4 p.m.

The Ceres booters have been drawn into Group A, which many considered as the “Group of Death” in the Jan. 22-31 tourney with fellow United Football League teams in tow. Two-time runner-up Global FC banners Group B that includes Stallion FC of Iloilo, Erco-Bro FC of Cebu and M’Lang FC of North Cotabato.