With his future as head coach still undecided, Jorge Souza de Brito remains laser-focused on leading Alas Pilipinas Women's team to their best possible finish in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup.
Despite the looming expiration of his contract, the Brazilian coach is determined to secure a victory in the bronze medal match against a formidable Australian side.
After the Philippines' tough semifinal loss to Kazakhstan, De Brito, whose contract ends in two days, expressed his eagerness to continue his journey with Alas Pilipinas.
"We have to discuss...it is still unofficial. We are close to keeping on talking because the contract will finish on the 30th," said De Brito. "What I have to do is work hard at the end of the contract. Of course, my desire, my wish is to stay with these guys. All the players in the Philippines, there's a lot of potential."
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tats Suzara has already voiced support for De Brito’s return, stating the federation's intent to negotiate a new contract.
"We’ll be appealing for him to remain the head coach of our women’s national team program," said Suzara.
Under his guidance, the team achieved a stunning 4-0 record in the group stage, earning the Philippines their first-ever semifinal berth in an AVC or Asian-level competition.
Despite their 23-25, 21-25, 14-25 loss to Kazakhstan, De Brito praised his team’s resilience.
"We were prepared to play against them. They have a tough block, they pressured us in the first two sets. But they came out fast in the beginning," he noted.
"What I liked about our team is that they never give up at any moment. Also, we played most of the time at the same level as them. These guys are on their way to being much better than this. It's a promise that they made to themselves."
As the bronze medal match approaches, De Brito's future with the team may be uncertain, but his commitment to their success remains unwavering.
His tenure, whether extended or concluding, has already left a significant mark on Philippine volleyball, inspiring a new era of potential and ambition for the sport.
