De Bruycker, Horikoshi to continue Kaya FC-Iloilo adventure

Iloilo: The Philippines' Kaya FC-Iloilo have confirmed re-signing Dylan De Bruycker and Japanese winger Daizo Horikoshi ahead of their 2021 AFC Champions League campaign.

De Bruycker, who joined from United City - formerly known as Ceres Negros - in 2020, will continue to lend his skill and talent to Kaya FC as they vie for a place in the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage, having been drawn to face Australia's Brisbane Roar in the preliminary stage.

The Belgium-born Filipino brings with him a wealth of experience, having played on the international level with the Azkals.

Extending Horikoshi's contract adds stability to the squad, with the Japanese having played for Singapore's Albirex Niigata in 2020.

Kaya FC, who kicked off preparations on Wednesday, have yet to feature in the AFC Champions League Group Stage but have shown their quality in the AFC Cup, reaching the Round of 16 stage in 2016, where they lost to Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines Football League 2020 season was cut short but Kaya FC did well to finish runners-up as United City pipped them to the title by one point.

While the 2021 domestic season dates are yet to be confirmed, Kaya FC are scheduled to compete in the Copa Paulino Alcantara in April.

Photo: Kaya FC-Iloilo