NICO Valderama, a 26-year-old member of the developmental
team, has been tapped as head coach of the RP men’s bowling team that will try
to regain lost ground in the international arena.
Philippine Bowling Congress secretary-general Bong Coo, one
of the finest bowlers the country has produced, announced Valderama’s
appointment yesterday during the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s restaurant on UN Ave.
"The PBC is taking on a new direction. We are now going for
young coaches who can devote their full time to the national team," said Coo.
Coo added there are also plans to hire a foreign coach on a
part-time basis, and a management coach to help the players in their training
and actual competition.
Valderama, who was given a free hand to choose his staff,
takes over from Japanese Madoka Amano who stepped down along with Caloy de Leon
and Jean Canaleta after the country’s dismal stint in the SEA Games last year.
Others who have coached the men’s team in recent years were
Purvis Granger and Johnson Cheng. Jojo Canare has also retired as a player and
will soon take charge of the women’s team.
Valderama said it’s going to be a tough job trying to bring
RP bowling back on its feet following another dismal performance in the 2006
Doha Asian Games where it failed to win a single gold.
"We have to make bowling a medal sport once more," added Coo,
who took the cudgels for PBC president Steve Hontiveros who could not make it to
the weekly forum also sponsored by Pagcor.
"It’s a great challenge but I have to prove myself. I have to
make a mark in 2008. It’s not an overnight project and in fact I am preparing a
three-year action plan," said Valderama.
The new head coach had to drop his law studies to focus on
the national team, which is gearing up for three international tournaments—the
Malaysian Invitational in March, Asian Championships in July and World
Championships in August.
Valderama said looking for private sponsors will also be part
of his agenda.
"It’s always been the problem, and even if we don’t get the needed funds from
the government there’s the private sector. But we must prove ourselves first,
and then they will start coming in," he said.
