UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) head coach Godfrey Okumu, who was the guest speaker during the Invitational JGM Finance Corp. Tournament Girls Volleyball U17 opening rites told the young players to invest in discipline and politeness.
The former Kenyan national player and coach said that players should listen to their coaches, seniors, and parents. “They have to work hard and don’t complain during training because they can’t get a good result without hard work. They shouldn’t be arrogant because they are great players so that they will be respected,” said Okumu, who was part of the Kenyan women's national team in the 2006 and 2010 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championships and in the 2011 and 2015 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cups.
Okumu also lauded the staging of this age-group tournament in Bacolod, which is similar to the other countries. “These young players will be the heroes of this sport in the future. Likewise, coaches should also learn the fundamentals to be successful,” he added.
Expanding on the fundamentals, Okumu said that the Philippines have lots of potentials to be a powerhouse in Asia. “Honestly, there are rooms for growth, for improvement and recognition in Asia. This is because the Philippines produce taller players compare to Japan. Filipinos have a longer reach and long legs. They can jump high because they are of their natural ability,” he said.
“But, why Japan, Thailand and even Vietnam play better? It’s because of speed. Here, what is primarily developed is spiking then playing defense. It should be the other way around. In due time, with the good program, the Philippines will achieve its goal,” he added.
Meanwhile, host-Bacolod Tay Tung High School-A defeated visiting Assumption Antipolo: 25-11 and 25-11 while La Carlota City outplayed Colegio de San Agustin Bacolod: 25-20, 23-25 and 25-17. The University of San Agustin-Iloilo also edged Murcia: 25-15, 23-25 and 25-19.
JGM president Jose Montalbo said that through this tournament, they will able to help athletes achieve their dreams. (HGD)