Pacquiao taps Capacio as assistant

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao has found the person who will help him perform the coaching chores for Kia Motors in the PBA.  

According to a reliable source, the boxing superstar who wants to assume the role of playing coach for the PBA newcomer has tapped Glenn Capacio as his assistant.

Capacio is a former PBA star who excelled on defense. He also became coach of the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP and Global Port in the PBA.

The source said Pacquiao had already gotten in touch with Capacio regarding the offer. He has also reportedly taken in Ariel Vanguardia as one of his assistants.

Reports said Kia has offered Pacquiao a three-year contract and has given the Sarangani congressman a free hand in forming the team.

Pacquiao is scheduled to return to the ring later this year. His promoter, Bob Arum, has set a tentative date which is Nov. 16. The fight could be held in Macau.

Kia Motors is one of three PBA newcomers, the others being Blackwater Sports and NLEX. But among the three, it’s the former that has created quite a stir.

Pacquiao said he has agreed to play and at the same time act as coach for Kia for the new PBA season that will start in October.

The PBA has welcomed the idea of Pacquiao playing in the PBA but the boxing icon will have to go through the normal process.

Another source said Pacquiao’s business manager, Eric Pineda, will serve as Kia’s team manager in the pro league.

Pacquiao’s entry into the PBA is expected to draw some following and add to the league’s popularity.

Pacquiao is Kia’s pride in the PBA.