![Roger Gorayeb could be the coach of the Bulacan team in the first MPVA tournament](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/09/IMG_0259_MPVA-press-con_Coach-Roger-Gorayeb-620x413.jpg)
Roger Gorayeb could be the coach of the Bulacan team in the first MPVA tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – Bulacan is looking for seasoned coach Roger Gorayeb to take charge of its women’s volleyball team in the inaugural Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) starting in October.
Bulacan team owner Chris Baluyot revealed that the team is in negotiations with Gorayeb, the long-time coach of the San Sebastian Lady Stags in the NCAA, for their first women’s volleyball campaign in Manny Pacquiao’s latest venture.
“We all know the quality of coach Roger. He has been a mainstay in Philippine volleyball,” Baluyot told reporters. “We hope Coach Roger will consider helping Bulacan province.”
“We’re just sorting things out with him. Hopefully we look forward to having coach Roger in Bulacan.”
Gorayeb, who last managed a club volleyball team with PLDT in the Premier Volleyball League bubble two years ago, is seriously considering Bulacan’s offer.
Baluyot, a former PBA player and Bulacan Kuya in the MPBL, believes 22-time NCAA women’s volleyball champion coach Gorayeb is what their city needs.
“I have known coach Roger since I played for San Sebastian and I saw his dedication. He will be a great help to our grassroots program,” Baluyot, who played with San Sebastian Stages in NCAA men’s basketball, said in Filipino.
![Executives and team representatives of the MPVA.](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2023/09/IMG_0385_MPVA-press-con_Manny-Pacquiao-with-team-representatives-620x413.jpg)
Executives and team representatives of the MPVA. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Gorayeb also captained the women’s national team at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games and helped Ateneo improve its women’s volleyball program during the era of three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and the ‘Fab Five’ consisting of Fille Cainglet, Gretchen Ho, Dzi Gervacio, Jem Ferrer and A Nacachi.
He also won a number of titles with PLDT and BaliPure in the PVL and its predecessor Shakey’s V-League.
The Bulacan official said they will start building their roster once they secure the deal with Gorayeb, who will discover talents from Bulacan.
“Once everything is settled, we will conduct tryouts and through the coach, he will also recruit his former players to lead our team,” Baluyot said.
“We have many basic players who are still waiting for their opportunity to showcase their talents. This is their chance to experience what it is like to play in the big league and develop their self-confidence,” he added.
The MPVA teams can have a maximum of five ex-professional players – only three of whom are allowed to play at a time – and require at least three homegrown talents.
Bulacan will face Nasipit Agusan Del Norte, Blue Hawks, Marikina, Caloocan, Rizal, Biñan, Manila Tornadoes, Bulacan, Bacoor and Quezon City.
“It is a great opportunity for the basic programs of the local government units. We didn’t think twice about joining Senator Manny’s new program because it is an honor to be part of this league knowing that there are still many talented volleyball players,” said Baluyot. “This is great exposure for the young Bulaceños.”
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