Following their playing stints to Stallion Laguna Footba Club, Ilonggo forward Jesus Melliza and midfielder Fitch Arboleda formally bid farewell to the team ahead of the start of the 2021 Philippines Football League season.
According to Stallion Laguna head coach Ernest Nierras, he respects the decision of the two but don’t have an idea as to which team they are heading.
“They will be playing in the AFC Cup this season. We wish them all the luck as they face new challenges in 2021,” Nierras said.
Nierras also thanked both footballers for giving everything to the club for these past few years
Reports revealed Melliza and Arboleda are set to sign with Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo which will play for a spot in the 2021 AFC Champions League.
The Iloilo City-based football club is scheduled to face Australia’s Brisbane Roar in the preliminary round on April 7. The winner will face Beijing FC in a playoff for a spot in the group stage on April 14.
Melliza, a native of La Paz district, has been with Stallion Laguna since 2017. Prior to that, the former Far Eastern University Tamaraws standout played for Green Archers United FC.
The Romblon-native Arboleda, a former player of the University of the East, has been with Stallion Laguna since 2012 and was part of the squad that won the championship in the United Football League in 2013. He played in U22 AFC qualifiers in 2014 and U-23 team in the 2015 SEA Games.IMT
