With the Philippines’ big guns in Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas set to skip the upcoming 32nd Southeast Asian Games, Jau Umandal is expected to lead the Filipino spikers’ fight in Cambodia this May.
Umandal, however, understands that he cannot fill the shoes left by the two stars alone.
So, instead of succumbing to pressure, the AMC-Cotabato ace said that he will instead focus on the things that he can control – preparing for the national team’s upcoming SEA Games campaign.
“Hindi ko naman pini-pressure yung sarili ko e. Although hindi ko naman kayang higitan yung performances na ginagawa nung dalawa, siguro gagawin ko na lang yung role ko. Kung paano ako mag-laro,” said Umandal after leading the Cotabato Spikers to a dominant sweep of NU-Archipelago Builders on Wednesday.
“Ayokong lagyan ng pressure yung sarili ko kasi ako lang din yung mawawala sa focus e. So hanggat malayo pa yung SEA Games, paghahandaan ko siya mag-pa-pakundisyon ako. Effort lang talaga saka commitment sa team para magawa ko yung mga kailangan kong gawin,” he added.
Umandal, who is one of the last three members of the previous national team along with Rex Intal and Lloyd Josafat, also said that he is ready to take on the leadership role and help guide the young ones in the team.
Iloilo’s Jade Disquitado, Rwenzmel Taguibolos and Leo Ordiales of National University, University of Sto. Tomas’ Jay Dela Noche and Jelex Mendiola, and Noel Kampton of La Salle are just some of the few new faces on the national team.
Vince Lorenzo, Madzlan Gampong, Kim Dayandante, Vince Mangulabnan, Edward Camposano, Jayvee Sumagaysay, and Lloyd Josafat complete the group.
“I-ga-guide lang namin yung mga bata. Hindi naman na sila bago sa paglalaro e. Kailangan lang nila ma-adapt yung sistema na tinuturo ng mga coaches. Yun yung matutulong talaga namin, i-guide sila kung ano yung gustong mangyari ng coaches,” said Umandal.
