The job’s not done for Alas Pilipinas, even as head coach Jorge Souza de Brito faces plenty of uncertainties with his future.
As a podium finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women remains at arm’s length for Alas, the Brazilian mentor isn’t getting too caught up on talks of a possible contract extension.
READ: PNVF eyes extension for winning Alas coach de Brito
“We have to discuss. It is still unofficial. We are close to keeping on talking because (my contract with Alas) will finish on (June) 30th,” said de Brito.
“What I have to do is to work hard until the end of my contract,” he added.
The Alas mentor received a strong show of support from no less than Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) chief Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, who last Monday expressed his intent to keep de Brito at the helm upon leading the national team to its first-ever semifinals appearance in an Asian tournament.
“Coach Jorge coached the country to a first-ever semifinals stint in any AVC or Asian-level competition. That’s historic for Philippine volleyball,” said Suzara.
“And because of that, there’s no reason that we’ll let him go.”
A different set of obstacles ahead
Any move to keep de Brito in charge would be rather tricky, especially under the watch of the FIVB, the sport’s global governing body.
The Alas head coach was reportedly set to begin his ‘next tour of duty’ in Chinese Taipei shortly after his current Philippine contract expires by the end of June.
And because of the FIVB's national team development program — the same pipeline that paved the way for de Brito’s arrival in the Philippines three years ago — an unnamed Italian coach has already been appointed to handle the Philippine team.
De Brito's plan of action for Alas
If he had his way, however, de Brito would want to stay in charge of Alas’ current aces to further help realize the potential shown by a hastily-assembled side. Just imagine if they had extensive preparation time and a deeper player core the next time around.
“Of course, my desire, my wish is staying with these guys. All the players in the Philippines, there's a lot of potential to work with,” said de Brito.
"What I liked about our team, they never give up in any moment. Also, we played most of the time in the same level with them. These guys are on their way to be much better than this one. It's a promise that they did to themselves," he added.
Hence, the PNVF chief plans to lodge an appeal to keep de Brito in charge of the national team.
“We’ll be appealing that he remains head coach of our women’s national team program,” said Suzara.
First things first, though, Alas and its mentor will fight for the flag one last time in the AVC Challenge Cup in the battle for bronze against Australia on Wednesday, 4 p.m.
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