National University-Sta. Elena unleashed a new gem in its debut in the 2022 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Thursday.
The Nationals used 6-foot-6 Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba in their 20-25, 25-20, 25-216, 25-12 win over Army-Katinko at the Paco Arena.
And he didn’t waste time introducing himself, producing 13 points in the victory, including six blocks, one more than the entire output of the Troopers.
However, the 19-year-old new recruit of coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that nerves got to him at the start of the match.
“Me personally I was nervous because it’s my first time to play here in the Philippines,” said Mukaba, referring to NU-Sta. Elena’s first set mishap.
To play in the Philippines, where volleyball saw its popularity increasing throughout the years, was something Mukaba is glad about.
He then shared that back in his home country of Congo, the volleyball community is not as big as here.
“I’m very happy because, in my country, it’s not like this. I’m very happy,” Mukaba said.
When Alinsunurin saw Mukaba, he already knew that the latter will be a big addition to the NU-Sta. Elena core.
And the veteran bench tactician, who also holds the men’s national volleyball team, hopes the upward trajectory of Mukaba’s performance continues.
“Bata pa naman rin siya, noong kinuha namin siya nakita ko na ‘yung potential niya as a volleyball player na pagdating dito sa Pilipinas, malaki ‘yung maitutulong sa amin hindi lang ngayong taon pero sa susunod na taon pa,” said the decorated Air Force personnel.
“Sana tuloy tuloy lang ‘yung attitude niya during practice na sobrang eager niya matuto lagi.”
