Jorge De Brito returns to PVL and will make his coaching debut with Capital1 on Sunday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Fresh from his silver medal finish with Alas Pilipinas in the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Women’s Nations Cup on Saturday in Vietnam, Jorge Souza De Brito makes his Capital1 coaching debut in the PVL on Tour on Sunday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
Amid the national team period, De Brito will be making his PVL comeback after two years, calling the shots for the Solar Spikers against the Creamline Cool Smashers on Sunday.
READ: PVL: Capital1 banks on De Brito’s winning culture in reboot
“It’s me. I’ll be there. I’m going there on Friday after the practice with the national team, I’ll join the team. I’ll be there against Creamline,” De Brito told reporters during Alas’ appearance in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday.
The Brazilian coach said “it’s really okay” to juggle his PVL return with his Alas duty as the next tournament for the national team will be in the VTV Cup from June 28 to July 5 in Vietnam.
“It’s never been a problem being a coach with a club. The teams have since followed the calendar, so it’s not a problem. It’s really, really, really okay,” he said.
“It’s good because being in the national team, you work with the guys from different teams with different skills. But also, you have to bring the level for all the teams. I’m happy because I still can also help the PVL. That’s our best league and I want to be part of the best, always.”
READ: PVL: Capital1 taps Jorge De Brito as new coach
De Brito also relished the franchise’s drafting of his Alas player and National University’s three-time UAAP champion and MVP Bella Belen, as the first overall pick of this year’s draft, patiently waiting for her pro debut after the national team period.
“It’s my challenge to keep her focus on her career to improve and also to help the team. I think they’re trying in Capital1 to give her the best environment to grow as a player, as a teammate and as a leader also,” he said.
“She’s been with the NU team for 11 years. It’s kind of a big change for her also. Not only changing from the UAAP, from UAAP or college, but also to be a pro. It’s a new exposure for her to be in the national team for long time — not as a baby but young players. Right now, she’ll change her status and has to lead the team and has the potential to do that.”
Capital1 also takes on Cignal in Vigan on Monday.