Alas Pilipinas are off to their best start in recent history after going 4-0 in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup preliminaries.
After a 4-0 start in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) wants to keep Jorge Souza de Brito as Alas Pilipinas Women’s head coach.
The Brazilian mentor’s contract expires by the end of June, one month after the conclusion of what is already the Philippines’ best run in an international women’s volleyball tournament in recent history.
This is also the country’s first-ever semifinal appearance in an AVC-sanctioned joust since the national federation’s inception 63 years ago.
Under de Brito's guidance, Alas defeated Australia, India, Iran, and Chinese Taipei—teams that were ranked higher than the Philippines prior to the tournament.
PNVF chief Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara has witnessed these successes and believes they are more than enough to warrant an extension of de Brito's tenure as the national team shot-caller.
“Coach Jorge [Souza de Brito] coached the country to a first-ever semifinals stint in any AVC or Asian-level competition. That’s historic for Philippine volleyball,” said Suzara. “And because of that, there’s no reason that we’ll let him go.”
The Philippines also achieved its highest FIVB world ranking in 18 years, reaching no. 55. Alas has also entered the top-10 teams in Asia at no. 8, surpassing countries like Australia, Indonesia, India, and Iran.
As a result, Suzara emphasized his commitment to ensuring de Brito remains in charge of the women’s volleyball program for the long term.
“We’ll be appealing that he remains head coach of our women’s national team program,” said Suzara.
Alas Pilipinas will look to make even more history when they face Kazakhstan in the semifinals on Tuesday, May 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.