Kaya-Iloilo’s Daizo Horikoshi sees more room for improvement after starting off the title-retention bid in the Copa Paulino Alcantara with a 1-0 win over Maharlika-Manila last March 14.
The Japanese winger produced the match winner in the 46th minute as Kaya was able to shake off the determined challenge of the underdog Maharlika side to claim the full three points.
But Horikoshi said Kaya can do a lot better, with tougher opponents expected throughout the domestic cup tournament followed by its continental campaign in the AFC Cup later this year.
“We’re happy to get three points, but I think we can play better, especially since we also have games in the AFC Cup,” he said. “We have to focus more on improving our performance, especially me. We have to get more goals.”
Kaya is taking a two-week break before returning to action on March 28 against 2020 Philippines Football League champion United City at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
It will be a stern test in Kaya’s ambitions to take the mantle as the country’s top team as it faces a United City team that is back after skipping last year's Copa.
United City, which debuts on March 24 against Maharlika, remains a talented side despite some changes to make up for the departure of naturalized striker Bienvenido Marañon.
“UCFC is the strongest team in the PFL, but we would like to be champions in the Philippines,” Horikoshi said. “So we have to keep our focus in training and have good communication.”