TOROMAN, BARAKO BULL IN TALKS
Less than a day after San Miguel Corporation released controversial former national coach Rajko Toroman, he was spotted meeting team officials of Barako Bull Energy Cola.
Wearing his patented loose white polo striped shirt, Toroman was in good spirits and looking stress-free.
“There is a difference between coaching and being a consultant,” said the 25-year veteran coach.
“I am not a consultant. It’s not my nature. I am really looking for an opportunity to coach, and there goes the offer (from Barako),” said Toroman in his usual Serbian intonation.
Barako Bull management and Toroman will again meet early next week to finalize the deal.
Both parties declined to reveal the last remaining roadblock on the negotiations, but Toroman stressed he wants to take full control of the club’s basketball program.
“We will discuss the final details and I want to finish off what I started with Petron at Barako (hopefully),” said Toroman, who even flaunted his success in the PBA with Gilas Pilipinas two years ago.
San Miguel Corporation released a statement to media Saturday morning saying: “Coach Rajko Toroman yesterday formally sought a release from his contract as consultant with Petron Blaze Boosters team, saying he wants to explore other opportunities. Management approved Mr. Toroman’s request and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
At Barako Bull, Toroman expects to create an instant impact using his vaunted European and FIBA-style of coaching.
“We’ll just discuss some details about the team. I don’t want to jump immediately because I want the job,” he added while revealing a 3-year offer from the Maharaj ballclub in Iran.
The two sides are still in the heat of negotiations as of this writing.
“Please standby,” was Barako Bull Team Manager Raffy Casyao’s short reply when asked about the talks with the multi-titled coach.
Up to this moment, the George Chua franchise is still in the hunt for a new head coach, after Junel Baculi was sacked late last year.
Interim coach Bong Ramos has been handling the Energy Cola’s practice sessions. (SBadua)
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