By Adrian Stewart Co

Ceres-Negros FC were dealt a massive blow ahead of the upcoming 2019 AFC Champions League qualifying playoffs and 2019 Philippines Football League (PFL) with forward Patrick Reichelt and midfielder Manuel Ott opting not to renew with the Bacolod City-based club.

Reichelt will be joining Melaka United, which finished seventh in last season’s Malaysia Super League; while Ott will be playing with Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC, which closed the 2018 Thai League 1 season in 12th place.

Both players were part of the Negrense club’s back-to-back PFL championships.

Ceres-Negros FC kicks off their AFC Champions League qualifying campaign next month when they host Yangon United FC of Myanmar on February 5 at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City./ASC, WDJ