By Will Imperial
Despite lacking the luxury of extensive and meticulous preparation, Roger Gorayeb, the esteemed coach of newcomer Capital1 Solar Energy, places significant reliance on his players’ formidable fighting spirit as they aim to spring some surprises in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference beginning next week.
Gorayeb shared this sentiment during the team dinner on the night of Monday, Feb. 12, graciously hosted by the amiable owners, Mandy and Milka Romero.
“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,” he said.
Gorayeb’s concern is valid, considering the Solar Spikers are only three weeks old as the league kicks off next Tuesday.
“First two days of our practice, naririnig ko pa sila nagtatanong ‘ano nga name mo,’” said Gorayeb with his usual toothy smile.
Nevertheless, Gorayeb remains convinced that all 20 players on the team share a common mission: to demonstrate that they genuinely belong to the widely popular pro league.
“Gutom sila sa playing time, so I am very sure they will give it their all each game. Lalaban sila ng sabayan sa mga established teams in the league,” added the multi-titled tactician, who helped sharpen the skills of sports idol Alyssa Valdez dating back to their celebrated Ateneo days.
Gorayeb also expressed his delight in the absence of a “star factor” in the team, at least for now.
“No egos whatsoever for my team, which is a mixture of experienced players and young ones. Lahat sila iisa ang lang iniisip, which is how to help Capital1 win games and gain followers,” said Gorayeb as he hopped from one table to another to exchange pleasantries with his players, including new additions Patty Orendain and Aiko Urdas.
As anticipated, the Romero sisters, fueled by the determination to revive the winning legacy initiated by their father, Congressman Mikee Romero, during his tenure with a basketball team in the defunct Philippine Basketball League, urged the team not only to go out and play but also to fight ferociously like wounded lions.
“Show that we belong to this league and always give your best shots,” said Mandy, who heads the family-owned Capital1 Solar Energy.
Milka, the elder of the two sports-minded sisters, promptly concurred.
Understanding the crucial role of time in molding a team into a title contender, Milka emphasized, “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.”
In addition to Orendain and Urdas, other team members expected to excel include Heather Guino-o, Jannine Navarro, Arriane Layug, Jorelle Singh, 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, and Sofia Nipa.
Also present during the dinner-cum-pep talk were team officials Edwin Galvez, Hollie Reyes, and Iby Bautista.
