National team coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito set to lead Akari in the PVL. -PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Akari has tapped Brazilian coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito to call the shots for the Power Chargers for their upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut in the Reinforced Conference.
Akari welcomed the Philippine women’s volleyball team coach on Thursday.
The former Brazil men’s volleyball team player, who won a gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, is set to make his first PVL coaching stint with a new squad that is still in the process of recruiting players.
“Happy and blessed to be part of this team,” De Brito posted on Facebook. “Great challenges ahead, but joy and gigantic responsibilities. Thank you for your trust! Get to work!”
Akari will conduct tryouts on Friday and Sunday at Pace Academy in Quezon City.
Souza de Brito arrived in the country last year after the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) signed him for the women’s national team through the FIVB’s development project platform.
He called the shots for Rebisco Philippines, led by young players Bella Belen, Faith Nisperos, and Eya Laure, but finished ninth in the AVC Women’s Club Championship last year.
In the 31st Southeast Asian Games, the Brazilian also took charge of coaching the women’s national team, led by Jaja Santiago and Alyssa Valdez, but the Filipinos missed the podium anew in Hanoi, Vietnam last May.
Souza de Brito is set to bring his experience to Akari after he coached club teams from Brazil, Turkey, Japan, and Korea. He was also part of Brazil’s remote staff in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“Since we’re trying to form a young team, and we are a new team, [we expect] a lot of learnings from him,” said team manager Mozzy Ravena. “He’s bringing his international experience with him, and will share that not only with the players, but to our coaches as well.”
Akari, the 10th PVL team, is set to debut in October in the import-laden Reinforced Conference.