De Brito focused on Alas Pilipinas bid, not contract extension

SCHEDULE: Alas Pilipinas at AVC Challenge Cup 2024

Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza de Brito talks to his coaching staff during an AVC Challenge Cup 2024 game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito is not thinking of his possible contract extension with the Philippine women’s volleyball program as he remains focused on delivering the country’s first medal in the AVC Challenge Cup.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tats Suzara on Monday announced that he will appeal to the FIVB to allow the Brazilian coach to extend his stay in Manila after he steered Alas to a historic semifinal entry — the team’s first-ever appearance in the Final Four since joining AVC’s tournaments in 1961.

However, Kazakhstan sent the erstwhile-unbeaten Alas Pilipinas crashing back to earth after sweeping their semis match, 25-23, 25-21, 25-14, on Tuesday evening in front of 5,500 fans at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito shares his thoughts after the semifinal loss to Kazakhstan. #AVCChallengeCup2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/m9aQsmMKQY

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READ: PNVF wants Jorge De Brito to stay as Alas Pilipinas coach

Asked about his reaction to the possible extension, De Brito said he wants to focus first on the tournament as the Filipinos battle Australia for the bronze medal on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

“We have to discuss. It is still unofficial only as of now. We are close to keeping on talking because (contract) will finish on the 30th. What I have to do is work hard at the end of the contract,” Alas coach told reporters.

‘Wish to stay’

The national team coach, who took over the program in 2021 as part of FIVB’s development project platform, though, is keen on staying and keeping this roster intact for a long-term program.

“Of course, my desire, my wish is to stay with these guys. All the players in the Philippines, there’s a lot of potential,” de Brito said.

Defending champion Vietnam and Kazakhstan clash in a winner-take-all Final match on Wednesday evening.

READ: De Brito relishes PH coaching stint despite ‘a lot of challenges’

De Brito was gracious in defeat to the Kazakhs but he is eager to win a bronze medal to end Alas Pilipinas’ Challenge Cup run, which he calls “magical.”

“We were prepared to play against them [Kazakhstan’. They have a tough block, they pressured on the first two sets. But they came fast in the beginning,” said De Brito.

“What I liked about our team is they never give up in any moment. Also, we played most of the time at the same level with them. These guys are on their way to be much better than this one. It’s a promise that they did to themselves.”