COACH Dante Alinsunirin is tempering expectations even as veteran Johnvic de Guzman declared the Philippine men’s volleyball team is going for gold in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
De Guzman, in his third straight SEA Games appearance, vowed not to waste the opportunity as the country tries to end a 28-year medal drought in the men’s game.
“Ang target namin is gold. Pero gaya nga ng sabi ni coach, marami pa kaming pagdadaanan,”said De Guzman. “Yung teamwork sana, ma-maintain namin pagdating ng semifinals kasi alam naman namin na yung makakalaban namin kasi lagi silang nasa top.”
Alinsunurin noted that there’s a long way to go before the gold medal match.
“Sa gold sobrang hirap talagang makuha pero nandito na kami. Pagbubutihan namin sa practice and ang pag-scout sa kanila,” said Alinsunurin.
“Kung ano pa ang dapat na gawin namin, anong kulang namin, anong adjustment namin sana pagdating ng semis makuha namin and pagdating ng finals.”
De Guzman also appeals for fan support as the Philippines goes for the group lead.
Semis bound Philippines and Indonesia clash at 6 p.m. on Friday for the No. 1 spot in Pool B at the Philsports Arena.
“Ito lang naman kailangan ng men’s volleyball yung may susugal po sa amin na magtitiwala para maipakita rin namin yung talent ng men’s volleyball team,” said SEA Games veteran.
“Ito na po yung pinaghirapan namin at sana po maappreciate niyo kung ano yung maibibigay namin para sa Pilipinas.”
The Filipino Spikers eliminated 2017 bronze medalist Vietnam on Wednesday to earn a semifinal berth.
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