Foton sets PSL goals for this season, Sta. Lucia eyeing trophy right away

Foton coach Moro Brasnilav. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Foton head coach Moro Branislav is setting his team’s goal for this season based on what he perceived as the importance of Philippine Superliga conferences this year.

For the Invitationals, slated March 4 at Filoil Flying V Centre, the Serbian mentor is going for a semifinal finish or better.

“Normally, Foton’s goal is to finish first,” said Branislav. “But this year our focus is the Asian Club women’s championships.”

Foton will represent the country in Kazakhstan in August.

Branislav said for the All-Filipino, they will go for at least the finals, while in the Grand Prix, “the most important conference, we will go all the way to the championship.”

“Our dream is that by 2018, we will have a complete professional team. No university players,” said Branislav who won’t have Jaja Santiago and EJ Laure in the conference because of their UAAP commitments.

Two new teams, Cocolife and Sta. Lucia, will spice up the PSL this conference.

The Realtors, led by owners Michael Robles, said they will aim for no less than the title on their first foray into volleyball.

Team manager Michelle Robles-de Castro said “we have been partners in sports especialy in basketball, boxing and football, and volleyball is a growing sport here in the country and we would like to be part of the experience.”

Sta. Lucia will be led by setter Djanel Cheng and Ria Sante, who helped Arellano win the NCAA title recently.

Cocolife will be led by Michele Gumabao.

The top three teams after the eliminations will advance to the semifinals, joining Japanese club Kobe Xinhua.