Akari Chargers’ Fifi Sharma. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Akari coach Jorge Souza de Brito is elated to have Fifi Sharma on his team, spicing up their middle rotation.
The 22-year-old middle blocker made a surprise appearance in Akari, wearing the team shirt during the Chargers’ first game in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
“She’s a real asset. She’ll be a part of the Akari Chargers. [She] just have to start training,” said de Brito after Akari’s 15-25, 19-25, 22-25 loss to PLDT.
Sharma, who only played two UAAP seasons with La Salle, declined interviews.
However, PVL tournament director Tonyboy Liao said Akari can no longer field Sharma in the midseason tournament as the roster of all the teams submitted is already final.
De Brito is thrilled to handle Sharma, who was part of the initial planned national pool last year but didn’t push through as several UAAP players begged off.
“She was in the lineup when I put the guys who joined last year. Not only her but the players of La Salle. Many players from NU, and there are a lot of players from La Salle, UE, UP. It means I’m always looking for them,” the Brazilian coach said. “She plays well. We’ll see how she does in the PVL. We’re gonna develop her to be in a good level she can play and show how good she is.”
“The ingredients are here. We have to mix them to make the best team possible, to represent really, really well the Akari company. That’s what we’re looking forward to. The players are here. The coaches are here. Let’s work to do our best,” he added.
Sharma played two seasons with La Salle, helping the Lady Spikers end a five-year title drought in Season 85.
She was supposed to have at least two more playing years in the UAAP but joined the trend of collegiate players turning pro.
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