Jorge Souza De Brito reveals his dream additions for the expanding Alas Pilipinas pool.
Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza De Brito is eager to bolster the national team by seeking to enlist more of the country's top talents.
After guiding the Philippines to a historic bronze medal finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup for Women, De Brito's contract has been extended until the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, granting him additional time to pursue further national glory.
Determined to build on this success, De Brito has shared with a select group of reporters on Tuesday his personal wishlist of players whom he believes will make significant contributions to the country's future success.
[ALSO READ: Alas: Jorge Souza de Brito stays as women's national team coach until 2025, says PNVF]
At the top of his list are Premier Volleyball League standouts Mars Alba, Maddie Madayag, and Ivy Lacsina.
De Brito has also expressed interest in acquiring the services of Tin Ubaldo of Far Eastern University and Gayle Pascual of College of Saint Benilde.
Another name the Brazilian tactician also mentioned was Jolina Dela Cruz, who is still recovering from an ACL injury in her right knee.
De Brito reiterated that dedicated players who excel in their respective collegiate or professional careers have a place within the ranks of Alas Pilipinas.
“They’re developing themselves and every time you do that, you have a chance in the national team,” the 1992 Barcelona Olympics gold medalist shared.
“It’s important to know that if you’re performing good, the door is always open. It’s always been like this.”
[ALSO READ: Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos join Alas Pilipinas pool]
For this exact reason, De Brito continues to expand the training pool of Alas Pilipinas.
The recent additions to the national team pool are Creamline stars Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos, as well as National University stalwarts Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and University of the East standout Casiey Dongallo.
Alas Pilipinas are currently gearing up for the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women’s Challenger Cup, which will take place from July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.