With his contract extension still uncertain, Alas head coach Jorge Souza De Brito remains committed to guiding the Philippines to its best possible finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza De Brito has chosen to keep his focus squarely on the country’s bid for a historic podium finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup rather than his own contract extension with the Philippine women’s national volleyball program.
After the Philippines bid farewell to its championship hopes with a heartbreaker to Kazakhstan on Tuesday, May 28, De Brito expressed the desire to retain his post as the chief tactician of Alas.
[ALSO READ: AVC: Alas Pilipinas' perfect run ends with a heartbreaker to Kazakhstan]
However, the seasoned Brazilian mentor believes that steering the country to a monumental victory over the towering Australian Volleyroos in the battle for bronze on Wednesday, May 29, at 4:00 p.m. deserves his undivided attention.
“We have to discuss.. it is still unofficial only as of now. We are close to keeping on talking because [the contract] will finish on the 30th. What I have to do is work hard at the end of the contract,” De Brito said.
“Of course, my desire, my wish is staying with these guys. All the players in the Philippines, there's a lot of potential.”
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara on Monday announced that he will appeal to the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to extend De Brito’s tenure.
[RELATED: PNVF looks to extend Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge de Brito after historic start in 2024 AVC Challenge Cup]
De Brito, whose contract will expire on June 30, guided Alas Pilipinas to an emphatic sweep of Pool A, where they defeated Australia, India, Iran, and Chinese Taipei.
This dream run served as their ticket to the country’s first semifinal appearance in any Asian Volleyball Confederation-sanctioned tournament since 1961.
De Brito has also helped Alas Pilipinas make a significant leap in the Asian and global rankings.
Prior to the Challenge Cup, the Philippines was ranked 63rd in the FIVB women’s volleyball world rankings and 12th in Asia.
Following the string of victories, Alas moved eight places to 55th in the global order while rising four places to 8th in Asian ladder, as of May 29, 2024.
The bronze medal match will air at 4 p.m. on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.