The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has already begun plotting the next chapter for the Alas Pilipinas Women program following the squad’s semifinal exit in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
PNVF President Anthony “Tony Boy” Liao confirmed that the federation will hold a board meeting after the SEA Games to determine who will succeed Brazilian head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, whose contract with the national team expires at the end of the year.
During his four-year tenure, de Brito elevated the national team to historic heights, guiding them to bronze and silver medals at the AVC Nations Cup and securing four bronze finishes in the Southeast Asian V.League. His stint also included three fourth-place finishes in the SEA Games.
De Brito first joined the program as a consultant in 2021 before taking over as head coach for the past two editions, including the recently concluded tournament in Thailand, where the Philippines fell to Indonesia in the bronze medal match.
“Si De Brito, finished contract. So most probably, we will change him to another coach. Pagbalik ko sa Pilipinas, we will have a board meeting and discuss sino ang pwede ipalit,” Liao said in an exclusive interview with Daily Tribune’s Mark Escarlote.
Among the candidates, Liao revealed, is Thai coaching veteran Tai Bundit, currently leading Spikers’ Turf club Criss Cross.
“Yeah, nasa wishlist siya. Ngayon syempre dipende kung ire-release siya ng Rebisco kasi as we all know, naka-hold [siya] sa Criss Cross eh. So may team din siya,” he said.
While approval from Bundit’s club is still pending, Liao confirmed that the Thailand Volleyball Association is already on board. The Thai federation has expressed readiness to allow Bundit to assist the Philippines, and the coach himself has shown interest in returning to the national team setup.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Yeah, sa Thai federation nakausap ko na ‘yung secretary-general, executive director, they are willing to help the Philippines. Kaya wala na tayong problema dun. ‘Yun na lang sa Rebisco management kung ire-release siya,” said Liao.
“Actually eto, I talked to him about this one. He is very interested. So ang talagang go-signal na lang is from the Rebisco management kung ire-release siya.”
Liao also highlighted Bundit’s proven record in the Philippines, noting his ability to elevate every team he has coached to championship success.
“Saka, maybe everybody knows, I was the one who brought in coach Tai sa Pilipinas starting with Ateneo and then kinuha siya ng Creamline, tapos kinuha siya ng Adamson sa V-League Collegiate, tapos eh Criss Cross,” he said.
“Eh if you will say, champion coach siya dahil lahat ng mga teams na binanggit ko, pina-champion niya. ‘Di ko naman sinasabing swerte, natatapat talagang Ateneo na back-to-back namin, nag-Creamline siya ilang championships siya, tapos ‘yung Adamson eh, one season nag-champion na,” Liao continued.
“Tapos itong lately, Criss Cross. So we are trying to see kung papayagan siya ng Rebisco, kung ire-release siya for the national team. So ‘yun ang one of the wishlist namin ‘no in case na payagan siya para mag-coach.”
Nothing is finalized yet, however, as the PNVF is also considering local coaching talent. But with most top Filipino coaches tied up with Premier Volleyball League and UAAP commitments, Bundit appears to be the leading candidate.
Liao stressed the urgency of the selection, especially with a packed international schedule looming for Alas Pilipinas Women next year.
“Kung pwede kaming kumuha ng Pilipino na coach, kaso nga pag-aaralan namin kasi alam naman natin lahat ng magagaling na Filipino coaches, busy with PVL teams. Busy with the universities,” he said.
“As you know [next] year, we have more big events. We have the Women’s Champions League, we have the SEA V.League, we have the Continental Championship, Asian Championship, and the Asian Games. Asian Games, if they will be an open entry, most likely we will participate. But if its through qualification, baka ‘di tayo makasali.”
