JUST weeks after Petro Gazz stepped away from the PVL, the possibility of a return remains very much in play.
Team manager David Dichupa made that clear during his appearance on Noli Eala’s Power and Play program on Saturday, saying the Angels’ leave of absence does not signal a permanent exit just yet.
“There’s a very big chance,” he answered when asked about the championship franchise's comeback.
Much of that optimism stems from the fact that Petro Gazz did not technically dissolve as a franchise, even amid its failed merger talks with Nxled.
READ: What went down in failed Nxled-Petro Gazz merger
Throughout the entire saga, team officials were consistent in stating that the club would only take a leave of absence rather than fold altogether.
“Walang sinabi na hindi pwede or pwede. I guess it’s an open thing. If we come back, we ask permission to come back again and join up,” Dichupa furthered.
“We did not disband the team, technically. [It was a] leave of absence.”
Still, any eventual return for the Angels will hinge on the league’s position and the decision of its board.
“Nothing final on that. When the time comes, I guess we’ll have to see what goes sa decision ng board,” he added.
Once an Angel, always an Angel
As ex-Angels begin new chapters with different teams, Dichupa also urged Petro Gazz supporters to continue rallying behind the players who once wore the franchise’s colors, such as onetime franchise cornerstone Brooke Van Sickle.
“I hope the fans continue to be supportive of our players, the ones who came from Petro Gazz, even though some of them have gone to other teams. Angels pa rin ‘yan kumbaga,” he said.
In the meantime, Petro Gazz will continue its involvement in sports through its backing of La Salle's men’s basketball and men’s volleyball programs.
Dichupa added that discussions with the PVL are forthcoming, as the Angels franchise explores ways to continue supporting the league until such time it considers a return to competition.
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