Kim Malabunga hopes that Alas Pilipinas’ debut in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship next year will inspire the next generation to pursue the sport.
Malabunga, who served as interim team captain during the Nationals’ campaign in the Southeast Asian V.League, emphasized that the Philippines’ hosting of the world tournament will be instrumental in promoting volleyball, a sport that often lacks recognition in the country.
“Laking bagay ‘yun para sa men’s volleyball sa ‘Pinas kasi makikita ng mga susunod na players sa amin na may ganun pa lang liga na pwedeng makalaro ‘yung mga Filipino,” said the Criss Cross star after the draw event at the Solaire Resort and Casino last Saturday.
“Para pagsikapan nila na sumunod [at] maging [parte] ng national team,” he added.
Alas Pilipinas, automatically seeded in Pool A, will be joined by several top-flight squads from Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Iran is the runner-up of last year’s Asian Championship, while Egypt is the reigning African Championship titlist. Meanwhile, Tunisia is an 11-time African Championship winner.
Malabunga could not contain his excitement after the draw, knowing they will have the opportunity to face some of the best teams the sport has to offer.
“Yung naging draw ngayon sobrang nakaka-excite. ‘Yung magiging game kasi ang lalakas nung mga kasama namin sa pool namin. Gagalingan namin sa parating na games next year, paghahandaan namin,” said the national team veteran.
Aware of the challenge that lies ahead, Malabunga and the rest of the squad will be focused on their preparation, which is set to resume next week when they fly to Italy, the homeland of head coach Angiolino Frigoni.
Alas Pilipinas will have a two-week training camp where they will face numerous Italian squads.
“Mas okay kasi kung makaka-tuneup namin sa ibang bansa at malalakas talaga, para kasi like same ‘yung level ng ka-tuneup namin parang konti lang matututunan namin. Mas okay ‘yung mas malakas,” he closed.
