RODRIGUEZ, Rizal – ZUS Coffee will be without head coach Jerry Yee for the next month.
Team manager Kiara Cruz told Tiebreaker Times shortly after the Thunderbelles’ five-set loss to Galeries Tower on Saturday that Yee recently took a leave of absence from the squad for health reasons.
“He’s actually taking a one-month leave of absence due to health reasons,” Cruz said in a text message. “He will focus muna on taking care of himself during this period.”
Yee’s lead assistant, Onyok Getigan, will take over the team moving forward.
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The former Strong Group Athletics chief tactician already guided ZUS Coffee in their 20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 10-15 loss to the Highrisers, where the Thunderbelles rallied from a 0-2 deficit before ultimately falling short in the decider.
The absence of Yee, who also coaches the College of Saint Benilde squad in the NCAA, is a major blow to the Thunderbelles. It comes less than two months after the team’s breakthrough finals appearance in the Reinforced Conference.
If all goes according to plan, Yee is expected to return in the first week of March to lead ZUS Coffee in their final two elimination-round games.
The Thunderbelles are currently 0-2 in the all-local tilt, falling to Capital1 in their tournament opener before suffering a stunning loss against Galeries.
