GAMES TOMORROW
(City of Passi Arena, Iloilo)
4 p.m. – Zus Coffee vs. Creamline
6:30 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs. Cignal
THE path to success is no easy way, it takes time, resilience and determination, and Akari Chargers coach Tina Salak knows it as the veteran mentor gradually instills her system and takes care of her players’ welfare, both physically and mentally.
The Chargers finished their PVL On Tour pool phase campaign with a 2-3 record after they swept the Capital1 Solar Spikers 25-23, 25-18, 25-23 last Tuesday at The Arena in San Juan.
As the new tactician of the squad, Salak insisted that it would take time to repeat and surpass Akari’s previous success as she looks to prioritize also the health of the players.
“Even from the start, very clear naman iyong message ko and also ni-review ko lahat ng players profile, even doon sa mga injuries nila, injury sa mga reports,” the former national team ace said. “So, in-expect ko na talagang this On Tour, medyo mahihirapan to meet iyong expectations ng management but I’m very clear doon sa message na we have to try muna na i-transition muna natin.
“Also, kung paano sila mag-respond (sa sistema), also iyong body kung paano mag-response sa bagong sistema and also kung paano rin sila magkakaroon ng recovery stage during doon po sa dalawang sinasabi mo na best conferences nila. Mahirap kasing mahirap kasing i-compare iyong best sa ngayon. So, I’m focusing right now sa present kung ano iyong stage nila at this point,” she added.
Prior to Salak’s arrival in Akari, the Chargers, who previously led by Taka Minowa, captured a silver medal in the Reinforced Conference last year, then followed it up with a bronze medal finish in the All-Filipino Conference.
The Chargers are loaded with promising talents like Ivy Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones, and Ced Domingo, and Salak hopes to ingrain a winning mindset and culture to Akari despite adversities.
