SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Challenge Cup 2024
Coach Jorge Souza de Brito
Jorge de Brito is in the homestretch as coach of the Philippine women’s national volleyball team. And before he leaves, the Brazilian hopes that he has shown volleyball players in the country the importance of playing for the flag.
“[Players] should decide to play since you [have] skills that are good enough for the national team,” he told a couple of reporters on Monday night. “You have to be ready to show up and do it. This is the most important thing—to be a national player.
“You’re representing the country … like what Jia [de Guzman] said, every time you are invited [to play] for the flag, you have to be ready no matter if you play in another country,” he added. “You have to be there to help your teammates, to fight for your family or friends even if you have enemies in the country.”
READ: Jorge De Brito to step down as PH women’s volleyball coach
Those who answered the call like skipper De Guzman, who just got off of her stint from Japan, are Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag of Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure and Jennifer Nierva.
Cignal’s Dawn Macandili-Catindig and Vanie Gandler will also suit up as well as Akari’s Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos and Dell Palomata from PLDT with De La Salle University’s troika of Angel Canino, Thea Gagate and setter Julia Coronel with National University rookie Ara Panique, the last addition to the team, rounding out the women’s Alas Pilipinas roster.
“If you do not have the heart and blood, you can stay away. [Otherwise], you need to give something [to the country],” De Brito, whose contract expires at the end of next month, said.