PVL: Des Cheng set for return a year after ACL injury

MANILA, Philippines — Des Cheng is finally returning to action after a year of absence to boost the Choco Mucho Flying Titans ahead of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference starting November 9.

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin revealed to Inquirer Sports that Cheng is fit to play in the six-month tournament a year after suffering an ACL tear in her right knee from the 2023 second All-Filipino at Ynares Center Antipolo.

But the former Philippine men’s national team head coach said the team will remain patient with Cheng as she tries to regain her old form.

READ: Des Cheng celebrates Choco Mucho’s breakthrough PVL Finals stint

“Sa ngayon halos nakakasabay  na siya sa mga ginigawa namin mga drills sa training. Pero hindi ko naman siya manamadali,” said Alinsunurin. “Ang importante lang paunti unti na maibalik ang laro niya.”

“At yung role niya is depende pa rin sa magiging performance sa every day training,” he added.

Alinsunurin may be taking Cheng’s return slowly but surely but he believes that the former La Salle star’s impact in leadership will be a big boost to the Flying Titans since they will miss captain Maddie Madayag, who took her act in Japan.

READ: PVL: Des Cheng suffers ACL tear in right knee

“Magiging malaki impact niya sa team dahil nadagdagan na kami sa training. At sa pagiging leader naman aam naman natin wala si Maddie ngayong conference, isa siya sa magstep up na maglead ng team,” the Choco Mucho coach said.

Cheng will team up with last year’s MVP Sisi Rondina and other spikers Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Kat Tolentino, Isa Molde, Royse Tubino, and Mean Mendrez in their quest to get over the All-Filipino Conference hump after settling for silver in the past two editions losing to Creamline in the Finals.

Choco Mucho missed the quarterfinals of the Reinforced Conference after missing the presence of Alas Pilipinas players Rondina and Cherry Nunag.