PACQUIAO TO HANDLE KIA COACHING REINS

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Eight division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will man the sidelines as head coach of new team KIA when the PBA opens its 40th season in October.

The team bared the official appointment in a press conference Monday at the Salvatore Lounge of the Pacific Star Building, with PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, Columbian Autocar Corporation President Ginia Domingo, and KIA Motors chairman and Palawan Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez gracing the event.

“Ako po’y masayang masaya na kinuha ako na head coach ng KIA. Malaking responsibilidad ito at kailangang patunayan ko na kaya ko ring magpakita ng gilas as coach ng team,” said Pacquiao.

Pacquiao formerly owned the MP GenSan Warriors, which saw action in the Liga Pilipinas and various national tournaments from 2005 to 2012, and the boxing icon explained that even though he got his fame from the boxing ring, basketball has always been close to his heart.

“Gusto ko na yung basketball before ako nag-boxing,” he said.

He also joked, “Nung una akong pumirma akong kontrata, hindi pala basketball, boxing pala.”

Turning to his serious side, Pacquiao said that his sole focus right now is to prepare a competitive team for the franchise as it prepares for its maiden season in the league.

“Ang focus ko is sa pagco-coach. Focused ako na kumuha ng magaling na players at mag-organize ng magaling na team,” he said. “Focus namin sa team na ‘to is to stop the scoring, yung defense ang dapat paigtingin.”

Pacquiao also said that his boxing experience will surely help him in his transition to the hardcourt sidelines, saying, “Malaki yung madadala ko from boxing kasi yung basketball, more on strategy at maraming different style. Yung experience ko as boxer, madadala din sa training, kaya yung mga players, maghanda na sila.”

He also quashed concerns about him juggling duties between his boxing and basketball coaching careers, saying, “Time management at disiplina sa sarili. Kaya nating i-handle lahat yan.”

Commissioner Salud also praised Pacquiao’s entry to the league as KIA’s coach, as he said, “What Manny brings to the table is the wow factor, the interest, and the pulling power.”

“Manny is the embodiment of what the PBA is striving to stand for: Highest degree of excellence and sportsmanship with regard to public and fan interest. Kaya nag-iisa lang si Manny,” he said.

With Pacquiao’s next boxing fight slated this November and the PBA’s 40th season set to kick off on October 19, the People’s Champ reiterated that his boxing training won’t really affect his performance as coach, as he’ll just be training here in the Philippines.

He also remained open to the idea of playing, but he said, “I’ll follow the rules and regulations of the PBA. Right now, my focus is sa pagiging head coach, kung pano ako makakabuo ng magaling na team.”

“Lagi kong iniisip ang mga fans at ang kapakanan ng performance ng team KIA. Ayoko namang mapahiya sa mga big boss,” he said.

Pacquiao indicated that he already has a list of assistant coaches to guide him on the sidelines, but opted to save the announcement for a later date.

“Abangan nyo pa po ang susunod pang kabanata,” Pacquiao said. “First time ng KIA sa PBA, pero di namin bibiguin ang lahat ng sumusuporta.” (RL)

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