Netizens call for De Brito resignation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia: Filipino volleyball fans in social media demanded and have been demanding for the ouster of Philippine women’s volleyball head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, making the hashtag #OustDeBrito especially on Twitter.

This, after another medal-less run of the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

The Filipinos fell to the Indonesians in the battle for bronze once more, 20-25, 25-22, 22-25, 23-25, on Sunday, May 14 at the National Olympic Stadium.

Other than missing the podium for the second time under de Brito’s watch, fans also pointed out the Brazilian coach’s decision of giving limited minutes to national team captain Alyssa Valdez, who’s also the Philippine flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the Cambodia Games on May 5.

Valdez, 29, barely played in the five games of the national team in Phnom Penh.

Perhaps, de Brito was trying to limit Valdez as she hasn’t played competitive volleyball since her knee injury in the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference last December.

Valdez said she would have wanted to contribute more on the court than her being a cheerleader for her teammates on the sidelines.

Valdez, though, said she trusts de Brito’s decisions.

“Personally, I really wanted to contribute more to the team,” said Valdez to Filipino reporters after the Philippine team’s loss to Indonesia on Sunday.

“Whatever role coach gives me, we really have to trust him, the system, his plans and strategies because at the end of the day, the players really need to play as one and we play for our country and for him as well,” said Valdez.

The Philippine media also tried to determine de Brito’s sentiments but didn’t get a chance.