SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024
Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito during the AVC Challenge Cup 2024. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito is mighty proud of his players for playing on the same page to earn a historic semifinal ticket to the AVC Challenge Cup despite the insufficient preparation time.
De Brito’s newly assembled team continued to bring pride to the country, becoming the first Philippine squad to reach the semifinals in any AVC competition in 63 years since the country joined the confederation’s sanctioned tournaments in 1961.
“I’m proud to be here as the coach of the national team. Proud of the result [earned by] these guys. Three years since I’m here, they brought the guys who are young but they’re doing good and I’m really happy,” the Brazilian coach told the reporters after his best start in any competition since taking over in 2021.
The 1992 Olympic gold medalist, who accepted FIVB’s development project platform to take the national team coaching job, attributed the credit to his 14 players for choosing play for the country, especially team captain Jia De Guzman for leading the young squad and sharing her vastly-improved talent developed with the Denso Airybees in Japan.
“The guys almost play in the same system. We’re trying, I was always trying to introduce something new. It’s good that they can afford to do them and they can contribute for the better. [They] play modern volleyball like they can play everywhere,” said De Brito.
“It is quite easy in the side out because we have a good setter. Really good one. She’s so smart, she played in Japan. She gets some skills that are hard to find quite around the world.”
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De Guzman has been doing wonders even as Angel Canino and Sisi Rondina have led Alas to a 3-0 record in Pool A capped by a semis-clinching 25-16, 25-13, 25-15 win over Iran on a rainy Saturday evening at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The home squad tries to sweep Pool A and clinch the top place to face the No.2 seed of Pool B Kazakhstan in a knockout semis on Tuesday.
“It will be a tough game. Really, really good for the fans and good for us because we need every time to play [to increase the] level of [our game],” De Brito said.
Besides making their first Challenge Cup semis in the tournament’s third edition, the Filipinos also improved their FIVB World Ranking to No.57 from 63.
Consistency
Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito during a huddle with his team in a AVC Challenge Cup 2024 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The national team coach considers this tournament his last dance after his contract expires on June 30. However, several volleyball fans have started appreciating his coaching, pleading to extend his stint.
For now, De Brito’s wish is to keep this roster for future international tournaments.
“I hope we can continue this for a long time,” he said. “We have to level to keep the national team really playing strong and consistent. The guys are ready to play and willing to. That’s better.”
De Brito offers their latest achievement to his family, who’s been with him throughout his journey in Manila, and the volleyball fans for their continuous support.
“They’re really comfortable here. they have friends. They support me all the time, they really made a difference in my life so I can deliver for the guys. Without even a fear that we’re not home [in Brazil], the guys made me at home,” he said.
“And look at these fans here cheering for us, that’s perfect.”