Capital1 says it’s in the PVL for the long run

Owners of Capital1, the PVL’s newest team, Mandy and Milka Romero. –PVL PHOTO

Coming from a family that is very sports-inclined, it was an easy decision to make for Milka and Mandy Romero when the opportunity to own a team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) came.

“When the [disbandment of] F2 opened up a spot for a franchise, it was really a shining window or door that opened for us, and we knew we had to grab the chance,” Mandy told the Inquirer after the launch of Capital1, the PVL’s newest team, on Thursday.

The sisters confess to being fans of the league as well and are determined to make their mark as team owners.

READ: PVL buys into Capital1’s vision of building competitive team

“We’re always in the know, so when the opportunity came that we can take part once again in volleyball, we said that it’s the right time and opportunity to go back,” Milka, who was referring to dad Mikee’s stint as chair of the AirAsia franchise in the defunct Philippine SuperLiga, said. “For us, it’s all about timing. In our home, we always talk about [different sports and leagues],”

Capital1 is in a race against time to finalize its roster and strategize for the season, which unfolds in less than a month. The task of steering the team is on the shoulders of veteran coach Roger Gorayeb.

Making his return to the pro ranks since coaching PLDT from 2018 to 2021, Gorayeb has so far tapped Rovena Instrella, Jorelle Singh, Aiko Urdas, Heather Guino-o and Jannine Navarro, all of whom have previous experience in the pro ranks which the seasoned mentor hopes he can bank on with the limited time that they have.

Future for women

“Although it was a short amount of time, we’re in it for the long run and we see a future here, we see a future for women’s sports, in women’s volleyball,” Mandy said.

“Great teams don’t happen overnight and with coach Roger, coach Holly, these veterans in women’s volleyball, we really trust their vision. We’re really excited to be here,” she added.

“PVL is really the most exciting league now for women’s sports,” Mandy said, adding that they are excited to have Gorayeb’s humor in the team.

READ: PVL: Roger Gorayeb banking on experience for new team Capital1

“We take it one step at a time, building the team, building the culture before learning where we are and our level in the PVL compared to other teams,” Milka added with a mix of Filipino.

“From there, we can draw up expectations. But for now, what we can only check are short-term goals,” she added.