Pido Jarencio will finally make his much-awaited return on the sidelines for NorthPort now that he has recovered from the dreaded COVID-19.
In a report by the league’s official website Tuesday, the veteran mentor will be back to his head coaching duties as he and his staff have been cleared after three weeks of observing the league’s health and safety protocols.
Jarencio and Co. will make their comeback against 2021 PBA Philippine Cup leaders TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
“Ang gandang welcome back sa akin, TNT agad,” quipped the 57-year-old to PBA.ph, hours after the league issued the schedule for Sept. 15-19.
Jarencio will be rejoining a Batang Pier crew that are coming off a remarkable week, which saw them sweep all their assignments by rolling past Blackwater, Terrafirma, and NLEX within a span of five days.
They did it with team manager Bonnie Tan taking on the role of head coach on an interim basis, although the amiable exec did not take any credit as he also thanked the players, especially the vets, for keeping the crew together.
Now they aim to extend their streak to four, but that won’t come easy as they will have to do so against the title favorites, who are currently 8-1.
It would be the start of yet another tough slate for NorthPort as it will also battle defensive juggernauts Magnolia and Rain or Shine this week.
Jarencio knows the challenges that lie ahead especially on Wednesday but he remains optimistic of his wards’ chances.
“Mabigat ang TNT, pero basta magtuloy-tuloy lang magandang laro ng mga bata mas gaganda chances namin.”
