DAFC-UMak unveil plans ahead of 2024 PFL season

After years away from the spotlight, and following their miraculous run to the final of the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara, Davao Aguilas FC - UMak are back in the top-flight.

PHOTO CREDIT: shutterd.owl

Davao Aguilas FC held its media launch on February 17, 2024, at the Inasal Republic in Quezon City, presented by Eat Sleep Breathe Football. The club unveiled its plans ahead of the expanded 2024 Philippines Football League season in front of representatives from the media, as well as fans watching via the ESBF Facebook stream.

Head coach Aber John Ruzgal fielded questions regarding his squad, especially with the busy transfer window ahead of the competition. 

“Players come and go, even the coaches, but the club and system remain,” said Ruzgal when asked about their key departures from the Copa runner-up side, focusing on a long-term approach for the club. 

He also cited a more relaxed foreign quota rule as having allowed him to significantly strengthen the squad, signing Filipino and foreign players, both from the domestic game and from overseas. Keeper Yosuke Suzuki and Senegalese forward Ibrahima Ndour were, and Gino Clarino was signed from Maharlika FC while Marvin Bricenio and Esa Siddiq also joined the club.

From overseas, Japanese players Shoma Sato and Omae So were signed to boost the defense and midfield, while brothers Mun Tesu and Mun Junsu stole the show at the unveiling, looking to bring their energy for the PFL returnees.

But perhaps the signing that made most heads turn in the Philippine football community was the arrival of current Philippines international Daisuke Sato, signing from Indonesian side Persib Bandung.

Ruzgal described the 29-year-old as his extension on the pitch, taking on a leadership role as team captain.

But Sato’s decision was more than just about football. Despite reported approaches from other PFL clubs and overseas, the Davao City-born defender said “It was really my dream to play for the city where I [was] born… it was a decision by the heart.”

Sato also is looking at the bigger picture, intending to give back to the country where he started his pro football career. He expressed belief about the long-term project that the club had, also sharing his plans to partner with the club and establish a football academy in the Philippines, named the Sato-DAFC-UMak Football School.

Club manager Mike Atayde then faced the media, talking about the DAFC-UMak project as a continuous one, citing his prior involvement in youth and grassroots football. He intended to help give budding players opportunities, seeing football as a viable career. 

Kart Talaroc was cited by Atayde as the best example for this, with Sato even noting the 22-year-old as one to look out for. Coming from an underprivileged background, with his mother having worked as house help for Atayde’s family, it was the manager who introduced Talaroc to organized football, eventually appearing for the Aguilas in the Copa and also earning a call-up to the Philippines U23 national team. 

Davao Aguilas also unveiled their new kits for the 2024 season, designed by The 19 Studio taking inspiration from ethnic Mindanaoan patterns, and manufactured by Chronos Athletics, with kits made available at matches and through Chronos' online platforms.

The official media launch wouldn’t be possible without the help of Davao Aguilas FC’s sponsors SpeedRegalo, Pacquiao 3-in-1 Coffee, Blue Hydra, and Inasal Republic, the venue of the official media launch of Davao Aguilas FC. Lastly, the official media launch of Davao Aguilas FC has been presented by the Eat Sleep Breathe Football PH.