Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Despite the short notice, Coach Roger Gorayeb didn’t hesitate to accept the task of building a competitive team for newcomer Capital1 Solar Energy in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season.
Gorayeb got the call from the management Friday last week and met with them the day after to come up with the plan to form the Power Spikers through a two-day tryout attended by over 100 aspirants including free agents, ex-pros, and collegiate players.
The veteran coach may have missed the PVL action for the past three years since his exit as PLDT tactician but the passion and determination of owners Milka and Mandy Romero inspired him to make his much-anticipated comeback.
“I’m very grateful because I’ve been inactive in the PVL for three years. But the Romero family, especially Milka and Mandy, made me feel that they would support me all the way. They wanted to join [the PVL] and build a competitive team. I felt their enthusiasm and we share the same passion and mindset since both of them are also athletes,” said Gorayeb in Filipino in their introductory press conference on Thursday at Milky Way Cafe Makati.
Gorayeb selected 23 players from the tryouts as his initial pool. He will trim it down in the coming days but he already bared five shoo-ins namely Aiko Urdas, Jorelle Singh, Rovie Instrella, Heather Guino-o, and Jannine Navarro for the All-Filipino Conference starting on February 20.
Capital1 has three weeks to prepare before the opener but Gorayeb is taking the short preparation in stride as he seeks to form a veteran-laden team in their upcoming debut.
“Others might be pressured with the short period of time that we have but I’m taking it as a challenge to make this team bigger,” the longtime San Sebastian coach said. “In my 40 years of experience in coaching, this is the first time that I received this kind of support from sisters Mandy and Milka, who allow me to do everything that I need to do. I’m happy with their long-term plan for this team so I want to repay their trust and support by forming a strong team.”
Among the four entities applying to the PVL, President Ricky Palou said they chose the Power Spikers because of their desire to grow as one of the most competitive teams in the league and the passion of the daughters of sportsman and Rep. Mikee Romero.
Goraye also vows to do his best help Capital1 reach its full potential and prove it belongs in the pro league.
“I promise to fix this team and make it stronger through the experience that I have from winning a total of nine championships in the PVL and Shakey’s V-League before,” he said. “Talagang di tayo magpapatalo, by all means. I do not promise na malaking ,alaki kaagad. We’ll do it slowly. Basta lang ayokong magsalita ng tapos. They took me in based on my experience, yung track record ko, gagamitin ko yun.”