OUT to lead Arellano University in its bid to regain its status as a title contender in the NCAA, newly-appointed Chiefs coach Chico Manabat promptly hit the ground running yesterday.
“Malaking karangalan para sa akin ito na pinagkatiwalaan ako ng Arellano sa programa nila. Isa lang iyong gusto natin, na maibalik ang Chiefs sa mga contenders sa NCAA,” Manabat said after signing a long-term deal with school executives led by President Francisco Paulino Cayco and vice president for marketing Val Cayca.
“Different league ito kaya mas masusubukan iyong capabilities ko. Pero same pa rin, dadalhin ko dito iyong beliefs and system na nagpanalo sa atin sa CEU para mas mapadali iyong rebuilding natin dito,” he added.
Manabat, 44, guided Centro Escolar University to the UCBL crown, going unbeaten last season.
A former National University standout in his heydays and the husband of volleyball star Dindin Santiago-Manabat, he previously coached the Bullpups and Grace Christian College while also serving as longtime deputy of coach Jeff Napa at Letran.
Manabat replaced Cholo Martin at the helm of Arellano, which ended with a 7-11 mark in the last cage wars.
The Chiefs will be led by the likes of Cade Flores, Axel Doromal, and Neil Tolentino in the 99th season of the country’s oldest collegiate league later this year.
“Iyong culture na bini-build natin dito is one that is like a family kasi iyong family ipaglalaban iyong isa’t isa,” Manabat said.
“Tiwala naman tayo sa players na lalaban tayo hanggang sa kaya natin pagdating ng NCAA.”
Joining Manabat’s staff are Manny Dandan, John Necesito, Jun Cuevas, Max Encila, and Alex Calueng.
Aside from the Chiefs, Manabat will also oversee the juniors’ squad with Necesito replacing Junjie Ablan at the Braves’ camp.
