Jau Umandal may not have the same star power as Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas, but he is more than ready to step up and lead the Philippines' men's volleyball team in the upcoming 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia this May.
As one of the last three members of the previous national team, Umandal understands the importance of his role, especially with the inclusion of several new faces in the team.
"We will just guide the young ones. They are not new to playing anyway. They just need to adapt to the system that the coaches are teaching. That's where we can really help, guide them on what the coaches want to happen," Umandal said.
Despite the pressure of being the team's leader, Umandal remains calm and focused on his goal, which is to help his team prepare for the SEA Games campaign.
"I'm not pressuring myself. Although I can't surpass the performances of the two (Espejo and Bagunas), I'll just do my role. How I will play," Umandal said.
With his skills and experience, Umandal is confident that he can contribute to the team's success, even without the two stars. He knows that he cannot fill their shoes alone, but he is willing to do his part and guide the young players.
Umandal's dedication and commitment to the team are evident, and he knows that with effort and hard work, they can achieve their goal of bringing home the gold in the upcoming SEA Games.
As the team's captain, Umandal's leadership and guidance will undoubtedly be crucial to the team's success. With his experience and dedication, the team is in good hands.
