PVL: Gerflor players got partial payment, says coach

Gerflor coach Sammy Acaylar.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Gerflor coach Sammy Acaylar bared that his players already received the partial payment for their delayed salaries with the management promising to provide the remaining amount within the week as ordered by the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

“Last Saturday, we had practice and there were managers, who came and explained the situation to us,” said Acaylar in Filipino after their 17-25, 17-25, 15-25 loss to Farm Fresh in the second All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“They negotiated to give the partial payment for the players, not the coaches, this week. And then, they will give the full salary [within] this week. I told the players to give them a chance and let them look for ways to pay them. My players agreed and will continue to play their game,” he added.

However,  the veteran coach is still hoping for fair treatment, urging the management to resolve all their problems including the inconvenient training venue and schedule, which the PVL continues to investigate.

“Nabunutan [ng tinik]? Not so much kasi hindi pa kami nabibigyan ng tamang [bayad] should I say, yung concern ng mga players, mga coaches,” said Acaylar.  “Before this [issue came out], I told my players that I don’t like to see any problem [of our team] on social media. My players are humble but at the end of the day, [the situation] hurt them. Quezon City as a practice [venue] is too far for us. I understand my players and I am concerned about them as their coach and a former player.”

Acaylar also shared they received support from other PVL teams after their situation surfaced online.

“We’re thankful to other PVL teams. They have been giving us water and Gatorade. We’re thankful for their concern to our team,” he said.

Gerflor also bowed out of semifinal contention after remaining winless in seven games but Acaylar continues to encourage his players to keep on playing regardless of the result.

“I always told my players to forget everything when we play. As long as they give their best, I am happy,” he said. “Still, I encourage my players not to mind our standing. The most important is to play and give their best during this competition.”

Acaylar added that he won’t stop his players if other teams recruit them, leaving the decision to the management.

“Pag nakitaan nila magandang laro, maraming kukuha sakanilang mga teams na commercial. So it’s up to the management kung anong klase sa paghandle nila if in case na may players kami na kinukuha ng mga ibang PVL teams,” the Gerflor coach said.