Gorayeb energized by Solar Spikers’ grit, determination
Seasoned coach Roger Gorayeb feels Capital1 Solar Energy will rely heavily on the players’ drive in their quest to make a lot of heads turn in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference which gets going next week.
“In this league, time is a good investment considering the level of competition. It’s very tough, so I am pinning my hopes on their big fighting hearts as we begin our journey,” said
Gorayeb during the team dinner Monday hosted by team owners Mandy and Milka Romero.
Gorayeb’s concern is valid as the Solar Spikers have just been formed recently.
“First two days of our practice, I overheard them asking each other the position they were playing,” a grinning Gorayeb said.
Still, Gorayeb is convinced that all 20 players have one thing in common.
“They are all craving for playing time and I am sure they will give their all each game. They will go toe-to-toe with the best of the league,” added the multi-titled strategist credited for honing he skills of Alyssa Valdez dyring heir Ateneo days.
Gorayeb likewise stressed that no player in the team treat each other as equals. “No star factor,” Gorayeb said.
“They all want the team to games and gain followers.”
A mixture of young and seasoned players, the squad also got the services of Patty Orendain and Aiko Urdas.
As expected, the Romero sisters, determined to relive the winning legacy their father Congressman Mikee Romero in the defunct Philippine Basketball League, challenged the team not only to go out and play but also fight until the very end.
“Show that we belong to this league and always give your best shot,” said Mandy, who heads the family-owned Capital1 Solar Energy.
Milka, the oldest of the two sports-minded sisters, readily agreed.
Knowing fully well that time is vital in whipping up a team into a title contender, Milka said: “Our goal is to cultivate a winning culture, but we’re not in a hurry, so it’s going to be step by step first.”
Apart from Orendain and Urdas, other members of the team who are expected to rise and shine are Heather Guino-o and Jannine Navarro, Arriane Layug, Jorelle Singh and Janeca Lana.
Rovee Instrella, Renesa Melgar, Sydney Niegos, Lourdes Clemente, Shyra Umandal, Cathrina Dizon, Kath Villegas, May Macatuno, Jel Quizon, Rica Rivera, Bingle Landicho, Dana Del Rosario, Jel Quizon, Rica Rivera and Sofia Nipa make up the team.