Akari head coach Jorge Souza de Brito revealed on Saturday afternoon that middle blocker Fifi Sharma will soon be a part of the Chargers.
Sharma played for De La Salle University for two seasons in the UAAP but is already set to earn her undergraduate degree. She was a freshman in 2019.
The Brazilian tactician, however, is still clueless about when Sharma can suit up for Akari.
The 5-foot-11 second-generation athlete watched the Chargers’ match against PLDT earlier today at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, donning an Akari shirt.
“I’d like her to be able to prepare in training, and if possible, play in this conference. But I’m not sure. I don’t have the official update from the team, the management,” said De Brito.
“I know she’s a real asset. She’ll be a part of the Akari Chargers. We just have to start training.”
Sharma, though, cannot join Akari this conference as the deadline for the roster had already lapsed.
De Brito shared that he has been watching Sharma for quite a while now.
Sharma was part of the initial 23-woman player pool, composed of collegiate stars, that the Philippine National Volleyball Federation unveiled for the 2022 AVC Cup for Women.
Then the final team became the entire group of National University before backing out at the last minute, paving the way for Creamline to represent the country. The Cool Smashers ended up achieving the Philippines’ highest finish ever in that tournament at sixth place.
“You know, guys don’t know, but she was in the lineup when I put the guys who joined last year. Not only her but also players from La Salle… Many players from NU, there are a lot of players from La Salle, UE, UP. It means I’m always looking for them,” said De Brito.
“She plays well. Similarly to the question the guys had for Faith, we’ll see how she performs in the PVL. We’re going to develop her to reach a high level of play and showcase her abilities.”
With a squad composed of young talented players with a lot of potential, De Brito now aims to integrate the players for better results.
“The ingredients are here. We have to mix them to create the best possible team and represent the Akari company really, really well. That’s what we’re looking forward to. The players are here. The coaches are here. Let’s work together to do our best.”
