Rald Ricafort knows no ‘shortcut’ for success at PLDT, but players thirsty to bounce back

PLDT new coach Rald Ricafort. Photo PVL

MANILA, Philippines – Rald Ricafort has his first job as a Premier Volleyball League head coach after leading Petro Gazz to their second Reinforced Conference title last December.

While he knows that the breakthrough does not guarantee quick success for PLDT’s new team, the young coach vowed to light the fire in the High Speed ​​Hitters to finally get over the hump of this 2023 PVL season.

“Like I said to the team, there are no magic tricks or shortcuts, we just have to bring that fire inside the room. [players]. And bring back the joy in the sport we love,” Ricafort told Inquirer Sports. “Aside from tactics and strategy, we just want to help these players improve and get to the next level.”

When asked what he can offer a PLDT team that has only reached the semifinals once out of four tournaments played in the PVL, Ricafort replied: mental toughness.

“I think in every conference there are many factors that affect the team. Not to eliminate the efforts of other teams, but one, I think we can try to improve our mental strength or how we can have a mindset that will help them stay focused in difficult situations,” he said.

THIRSTY FOR SUCCESS

Former coach Petro Gazz took over the coaching of PLDT this month and the new team and its players have accepted changes in training.

“Now, everything is positive. From the management to the players, they are very happy with us,” said Ricafort in Filipino. “We love our training. Everyone is going all out, you can see that everyone is hungry to bounce back. We are still finalizing the lineup and introducing the system that we want to use this year.

The core members of the High Speed ​​Hitters, led by veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan, Mika Reyes, Dell Palomata, and libero Kath Arado, made the job easier for Ricafort, who brought representative Arnold Laniog on the new trip.

“The core players make a big impact on the team. In addition to their skills, this is the leader that the team wants. So far, everything has been good, everything is trainable,” said Ricafort. “Hopefully, improvements will come out in our game. Until then, Ysa [Jimenez] and [Mich Morente] as our new recruit. We are still looking for one or two players to complete the lineup and management has been very supportive.

Leaving his team for the past four years after winning the championship was not easy. But Ricafort kept his faith in PLDT’s long-term plans for his growing coaching career and the High Speed ​​Hitters, believing that they can work on the same page.

“After the championship, PLDT quickly approached. They told me the long-term direction they wanted for the team and also for me. At that time we were still enjoying the championship, so I didn’t think first,” said Ricafort, who has been part of the Angels’ coaching staff since joining the PVL in 2018 before getting promotion last year.

“It’s very difficult, of course. I have been close to the players and staff. I am very thankful and grateful to Petro Gazz. It’s just that PLDT and I are going in the same direction. That’s why I decided to take on a new challenge with this team.

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