When the vacation-bound Roger Gorayeb left National University for majority of the Shakey’s V-League Collegiate Conference, his departure did not leave a massive hole to be filled up.
There was the mild-mannered mentor assistant coach Edjet Mabbayad, who had the know-how to lead the Lady Bulldogs the defense of their V-League crown.
Even in the final game against Ateneo, Mabbayad was the one instructing the Lady Bulldogs in its five-set win, 19-25, 25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 15-4, even while Gorayeb was back in the sidelines.
Mabbayad, though, still knows that it was Gorayeb who laid the foundation for their title run.
“Masaya pero with guidance pa rin from coach Roger,” said Mabbayad. “Kasi yung program namin is galing din sa kanya, ginawa lang namin yung instructions niya, yung game namin na apply lang nung mga players.”
NU now has three titles overall in the Collegiate Conference of the tournament, and two of those were under the tutelage of Mabbayad.
And Gorayeb’s right-hand man was satisfied with how the team defended its title with gusto and tenacity.
“Andoon na kasi yung attitude at willingness manalo, and yung teamwork andun na.”