TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Philippines' reigning club football champions have taken on a distinctly Japanese influence as they seek to make an impact in Asia.

Kaya FC-Iloilo, helmed by Japanese manager Yu Hoshide, are this season among the teams contesting the ACL2, the newly formed second tier of the Asian Champions League.

They lost 3-0 away to the J-League's Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their opening ACL2 match on Sept. 19, but defender Akito Saito, one of four Japanese players in the Kaya squad, was upbeat about the prospects for both the club and for football in the Philippines.

"The facilities aren't as good as in Japan, but I want to help build enthusiasm for football in the Philippines," said Saito, who played the full match at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima.

None of Kaya's Japanese contingent have played in the J-League. Saito previously played in India, while Hoshide spent time as a player in countries including Trinidad and Tobago before joining Kaya's coaching staff in 2020.

The sporting landscape in the Philippines is dominated by boxing, thanks to the likes of superstar Manny Pacquiao, and basketball, but the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams has prompted authorities to explore ways to strengthen the national football team, according to Hoshide.

As one of the country's strongest clubs, Kaya stands to have a central role in fortifying the Philippines' national setup.

While they did not register a point in their previous ACL forays, Hoshide is determined to get results in the ACL2.

"I want to get closer to victory, even if it's just one step," he said.