PLDT returns!
In 2015, PLDT was the premier volleyball club, winning both Shakey’s V-League conferences with stars like Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, and Grethcel Soltones towing the squad. In 2016, however, PLDT didn’t field a team, leaving their mainstay spikers to find other teams.
But now, they’re back with the decorated head coach Roger Gorayeb at the helm. Gorayeb had filled the PLDT lineup with his former current players and he’s looking to do the same this time around.
“Sinabihan ako na mag-practice daw ulet. Akala ko naman merong MVP Olympics ngayong February. ‘Yun pala preparation daw for next year [V-League] at saka sasali daw sa ibang liga. Inaayos na ang budget,” Gorayeb told Tiebreaker Times.
Comprising the team are current volleybelles that are currently employed by the company, including Sasa Devanadera, Lauren Latigay, Sue Roces, Ella De Jesus, and Lizlee Ann Gata-Pantone.
“Nandoon na ‘yung mga player ko. Nagwo-work na sila doon. Masaya ako kasi babalik ako. Nagkausap na kami na matutuloy na ulet. Kukundisyunin ko na lang ulet ‘yung katawan nila kasi nagtatrabaho na nga sila – mga one year sila walang ensayo. Sasamahan ko na lang ng ibang player ko. Gusto ko pa rin sama-sama mga player ko sa NU, mga player sa Baste,” he continued.
Among his current players, Gorayeb is looking to add San Sebastian ace Grethcel Soltones and NU’s budding setter Jasmine Nabor.
As for bringing back three-time SVL MVP, Valdez. Gorayeb admitted that he has talked to his former ward but the V-League did not come up. Valdez is currently campaigning in Thailand with 3BB Nakornont in the VTL.
“Mas comfortable ako na bumalik sa PLDT kasi nandoon na ‘yung mga player ko, ‘yung sistema ko alam na nila – madali ko na silang mako-control,” said the only grand slam champion coach in the PVL.
“Matagal pa naman ang V-League, marami pang pwedeng mangyare in terms of adding players.”
