Tiling over PVC panelling

My sister wants me to ceramic tile a strip approx 12 inch high, above the counter, over PVC panelling in her utility (to match her kitchen).
I know I can NOT tile over the PVC so I was thinking of screwing on a piece of ply and then tiling on to that.
The PVC was originally attached directly to the wall or so I am told, not to studs. so I would use screws long enough to go through to the wall. Also there are only 2 sockets that I have to avoid and the wires for them go straight down vertically to the floor behind the units.

My question is... Do you think it will work like this and the tiles will stay up?
Or... Do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks from a Home diyer