Cebuano spikers Dave Cabaron and Relan Taneo hope to make an impact in the biggest tournament of their lives as they look to help the Philippine men’s volleyball team accomplish its goal of snatching a podium finish in the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) which formally opens today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In an earlier report by Cebu Daily News, national team mentor Sinfronio Acaylar said that they are eyeing for no less than a top three finish having spent the last month doing rigid training in South Korea in preparation for the biennial sports conclave.
Although playing for the country presents a staggering amount of pressure, both Cabaron and Taneo take this opportunity as a huge honor and vow to give their very best for the country.
“We will do our best for this coming SEA Games. We have our training camp in Korea so kahit papano madami kami natutunan dun. Siyempre as a Cebuano, excited ako maglaro kahit first timer pa ako,” Taneo said.
“Wala po akong ibang masasabi sa mga ka-Cebuano ko po kundi gagawin ko ang lahat ng makakaya ko at hanggang saan ‘yong natutunan ko para sa bayan,” said Cabaron.
Also joining them in Malaysia is Bantayan, Cebu’s John Carascal who is the only reserve player left in the team after erstwhile reserve Peter Quiel replaced the injured Greg Dolor in the main 12-man lineup.
As they begin their journey against Vietnam this Monday at 5 p.m. (Malaysian time), Taneo has one request from his fellow Cebuanos and the entire nation.
“Prayers nalang po para sa amin at suporta sa Philippine men’s team,” the Liloan, Cebu native Taneo said.