Another international competition means another challenge and another set of lessons to pick up for 2015 Philippine Superliga coach of the year George Pascua and the PSL All Stars.
Starting this Wednesday, head coach George Pascua and the Philippine Superliga (PSL) selection team will get their first taste of action in the 2016 Thai-Denmark Super League as they are set to face Bangkok Glass at the MCC Hall in Bangkok, Thailand.
Facing entirely new opponents, Pascua indicated that his team’s hunger and desire to win are his major keys to victory.
Given that most of his players have had experiences playing volleyball both ocally and internationally: all that is left is the way how this group would gel as one.
“Sa composition [ng team], lahat naman ng iyan [structured] ayon doon sa mga talent nila. So at any competition naman, they can compete,” Pascua said. “Iyon nga lang, kailangan mag-gel sila kasi kakaiba ang mga team (na makakaharap) so iyon din ang challenge sa bawat isa.”
“Biggest strength siguro is ‘yung experience nila kasi competitive naman mga iyan at ‘yung mga iba may international exposure na. Siguro, it’s a matter of desire to win at ‘yun willingness ng bawat isa.”
Morever, Pascua expressed that the constant international volleyball exposure of the Philippines for the past years has been integral in improving the overall quality of play of the locals.
“Siyempre iba ‘yung experience, iba ‘yung pakiramdam. Kasi kapag flag na ang dala mo, hindi na PSL, hindi na Petron or what,” Pascua added. “Siyempre flag na iyan at lahi na natin ang dala. May pressure din pero kung kukumpara mo sa ibang bansa, ‘yung program nila is long term kasi.”
Now, with the PSL All-Stars bracing for a series of tough battles, the Filipinas are set to face each match heads on and showcase the improvements of Philippine volleyball.
“Siyempre lalaban kami doon at hindi kami basta-basta magpapatalo,” Pascua closed. “Lalaban kami doon ng patayan. Ganyan naman ang Pinoy eh, sanay sa hirap. Hindi na bago sa atin iyon. Ang tanging challenge sa atin is pakita natin na kakaiba ang tapang ng Filipino sa kahit saang bagay.”
Filipinos are always known to have heart in whatever battle they have and this challenge is no exception.