Foton kicks off quest for coach

Foton formally started its search for new head coach following the departure of Rommel Abella in the early stretch of the Philippine Superliga (PSL) Invitational Conference.

According to a Daily Tribune source, Foton is looking at Edjett Mabbayad, Sammy Acaylar, Roger Gorayeb and Godfrey Okumu to serve as mentor when the Tornadoes compete in the All-Filipino Conference in September.

Mabbayad is a perfect candidate for stepping up as interim mentor after the Tornadoes suffered three straight setbacks that prompted them to bow out of contention in the ongoing midseason conference.

Also reportedly being considered are veteran mentors Acaylar and Gorayeb.

Acaylar, the former national men’s team head coach who was part of the coaching staff when the Philippine women’s national team won the gold medal in the Singapore Southeast Asian Games in 1993, is said to be very interested.

In fact, he already submitted his application and is looking to schedule a meeting with the Foton management, headed by president Rommel Sytin.

Okumu also has an edge for serving as mentor of University of the Philippines, which is being supported by a company managed by Sytin’s brother.

“They’re all in the shortlist,” said the source, adding that he won’t be surprised if the Tornadoes picked a coach outside the four candidates.

“But I heard the management is also considering other local coaches. So we won’t be surprised if they picked somebody outside of the list.”

Foton team manager Diane Santiago confirmed the source’s claim that they are in search of a new head coach.

She, however, stressed that Gorayeb is currently tied up with a team in the Premier Volleyball League while Okumu is still with the Lady Maroons.

“We have a one-league policy so it’s quite impossible for coach Roger to handle us,” said Santiago, the sister of Foton stars Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat.

“As for coach Okumu, he is still with UP and the brother of boss (Sytin) wants him to focus there. So let’s see. Let’s wait for things to pan out.”

“Anyway, it’s still quite early. The Invitational Conference is not yet over. Let’s give the management time to screen the applicants and decide who suits us best.”

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