GREAT things will always take time, and it isn’t any different in the world of sports.
A veteran champion mentor like Roger Gorayeb, four decades into his coaching career, would know that it’ll take more than just a few good pieces to build a successful team at any level.
And as the old saying goes, ‘Rome wasn't built in a day.’
READ: Capital1 import blunt on PH volleyball: 'Not that high quality'
In a bid to launch an empire of his own in pro volleyball, Gorayeb took the challenge in calling the shots for a hastily-assembled Capital1 side in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) earlier this year.
But from making the most of the cards he was dealt in a one-win debut conference, the tables have definitely turned for the better for the Solar Spikers.
Capital1 pulled off what could arguably be the biggest PVL upset in recent memory, and maybe even ever, by taking down two-time reigning Reinforced Conference champion Petro Gazz in straight sets.
It gave Gorayeb not only the morale-boost to dream bigger but also the confidence-boost that they can compete against the best teams in the league.
“Masayang masaya ako kasi who would have ever thought na mai-straight (sets) namin (ang Petro Gazz)? They are always looking at us as a low-level team. Tapos maka-straight set kami ng more experienced team? Malaking bagay sa amin ‘yun, morale booster sa mga bata ‘yun,” Gorayeb said.
“Nag-prepare talaga kami diyan eh, pero hindi nila ginawa ngayon. But I stuck to our original plan at naging effective naman kasi ang lakas ng depensa, maski ako nagugulat. Sobrang lakas ng depensa namin," he added.
“Last time kasi, last game we were struggling sa counter attack namin. Ngayon ‘di kami nag-struggle kaya masaya ako.”
It takes time
All things considered, what Capital1 has done in roughly half a year since its inception is impressive — more so with the magnitude of its most recent feat.
This is where Gorayeb's decades-long experience in coaching volleyball comes into play. He understands the concept of time and development, while also having the competence to make the most of his young team.
“There are so many people having side comments. They are so impatient. They never thought that this is a less than six-month-old team. Even if the national team picks all the big players, pagsama-samahin mo and you play outside of the country, they will never win. We need more time," he said.
“What do I expect in a very short time that I have this players with me? What can I expect in the future? The best team that I can form.”
But with a young, talented and coachable core at his disposal, Gorayeb is thankful that he didn't need a lot of time to kickstart this Capital1 program.
“I don’t want to brag. I just want to be simple enough na everybody, let them say good things to us. But my players are here. All good players, all coachable. Ano pang po-problemahin ko? Wala na. I don’t have any problem. I never even talk to them during the huddle, konting-konti lang," he shared.
“They play freely. Hindi ko sila pinakikialaman, especially the setter. Mag-isip ka, bahala ka. Kung merong masama laro, lalabas ko, ipapasok ko. Nagkataon naman na lahat maganda ang nilaro, pati ‘yung dalawang libero namin played good.”
Bright new perspective
With two strong showings to start the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, it won't be wishful thinking for Gorayeb to eye a higher spot in Pool B entering the quarterfinals.
What was once a team who'd be happy to get a victory, the Solar Spikers are aiming for the stars this confrence.
“Ayokong mag-drop sa #4, #5, #6. Gusto ko du’n sa #1, #2, #3 para ‘yung ka-cross ko (mas okay). Hell group kami eh. Lahat ng malalakas, nandito na eh. Parang saling-kitkit nga lang kami rito eh. From number 11, tapos hindi nga namin tinatalo ‘yang Petro Gazz. Muntik pa naming talunin ‘yung Akari. Magandang morale-booster ito.
“‘Yung mga bata naman, these players are really coachable. Kahit anong ipagawa mo, gagawin nila kaya masaya ako.”
In two days’ time, their newfound mettle will be tested against another bona fide title contender in league-leader Cignal.
“Cignal is leading this tournament with two wins. We will be there. We need that win. Regardless if it’s Cignal, regardless if it’s another team, I don’t care. We don’t care. We want to play better than today.
“Kung mapahirapan namin sila, eh di salamat. How can we play bad? Ang ganda ng nilaro namin. We just have to be humble. We don’t want egos to be flying na ‘ah we won!’”
Whether more’s to come after their second-ever franchise win, only time will tell.
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