Decorated National University head coach Roger Gorayeb always has something wise to say. Whether during a post-game presser or during his timeouts, he always voices out must-hear material.
After his Lady Bulldogs triumphed over the mighty De La Salle University Lady Spikers last Wednesday, Gorayeb revealed what he told his players to keep them motivated going forward. With their upcoming match against the University of the East Lady Warriors set on Valentine’s Day, the National Team head coach gave his team some perspective.
“Wala munang pag-ibig para sa mga bata,” Gorayeb jokingly told the members of the press. “Sabi ko nga sa kanila pang-saglitan lang ito, ‘yung pag-ibig kahit habang buhay,kahit ochenta anyos ka na, may pag-ibig pa rin diyan.”
Gorayeb hopes his message resonated especially with his graduating players.
“Sabi ko nga kila Myla (Pablo), last mo ma ito. After this year, wala ka ng chance bumalik sa UAAP,” Gorayeb said. “Kaming mga coach, matanggal man kami dito, pwede pa rin kaming mag-coach baka may kumuha sa aming ibang eskwelahan. Nandoon pa rin ‘yung chance namin. Pero kayo, as a player, wala na.”
Gorayeb then went on to say that nothing compares to the joy of playing in the UAAP.
“Ibang ligaya ‘yung madadala sayo nang paglalaro sa college. Kahit limampung taon ka maglaro sa mga commercial league,” the mentor added. “Wala pa rin ‘yun sa limang taon sa UAAP. Lahat nasa collegiate competition – ‘yung puso, ‘yung paglalaro ng may purpose.”
Having won countless titles from various collegiate, amateur, and professional leagues, Gorayeb wants nothing more than for his players to feel the joy of winning an elusive UAAP title.
“Maski bayaran kayo nang isang milyon kapag mag-Finals kayo, hindi kayo liligaya kung hindi niyo makukuha ‘yung championship. Iba kasi ‘yung kaligayahan na yan – ayan ‘yung pilit kong pinapaintindi sa kanila,” Gorayen closed.
