Kale Alvarez steps down as Kaya head coach

6 December 2012

Kaya players, my friends,

Last April, I was given an impossibly huge responsibility that took me by surprise. I was then the assistant coach of Kaya FC, a team I have played for and have loved all these years. When head coach Juan Cutillas, my mentor, resigned, I was appointed by management to become interim head coach.

It is always the process that has been as important to me as much as the result, and I asked my 29-year-old self, how am I going to do this enormous task in the middle of the ongoing league? I am inexperienced in coaching and I don’t even carry the basic C-license, but with faith in myself, and support from my peers and family, I welcomed the challenge with open arms. With Aly Boromeo helping me out, and given a team of superior players, the task became easier. In no time we finished the league with a very decent result.

And we went through the cup fighting until the end. I’ve never been prouder in my life of my team, who fought whole-heartedly, and finally fell to a silver goal in the quarters against our rival.

Now the time has come for me to step down.

It has been a great and exhilarating ride, and I am humbled by the opportunity to have lead a group of wonderful players. Know that I have learned and taken from you guys, as much as I hope I was able to give you during my short term. I wish you all the best and I will continue supporting the team.

Cheers!

Coach Kale

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Kale Alvarez and I have been friends for a while. We used to be partners when we'd do the UAAP Football telecasts on Studio 23. Even after those gigs, we would often consult each other on coaching and football matters. I was really happy when he joined the staff of the Ateneo Blue Eagles during the three-peat. He runs the Focus Athletics of which Gatorade, where I also work, is a partner. Good luck to my buddy! Still there rooting for ya!