Kia formally appoints Pacquiao as head coach

MANILA, Philippines – PBA expansion team Columbian Autocar Corporation formally named on Monday Manny Pacquiao as its head coach, and the boxing icon expressed confidence he’s equipped enough to give justice to his new job – an addition to his being a boxing world champ and a congressman representing the province of Sarangani.

He’s convinced he can juggle his time to attend his duties in the House of Representatives, stay in shape as a champion fighter and at the same time form a competitive Team Kia that is joining the local pro league by its 40th season starting October.

“It’s a matter of time management and discipline,” said Pacquiao during the formal announcement of his appointment as Team Kia chief tactician at the Pacific Star Bldg. in Makati attended by CAC chairman Jose Chavez Alvarez, president Ginia Domingo and PBA commissioner Chito Salud among others.

“Ako’y masayang-masaya na kinuhang head coach ng Kia. Alam kong ito’y malaking responsibilidad at kailangan kong mapatunayan na kayo kong magpakita ng gilas (sa basketball) (I’m very happy to be chosen as head coach of Team Kia. I know that I’ve got a big responsibility, and I need to prove that I can show knowledge in basketball),” Pacquiao said.

“Abangan nyo ang mga susunod na kabanata. First time na papasok ang Kia (sa PBA), di namin kayo bibiguin (Wait for the unfolding chapters. Kia is joining the PBA for the first time. We will not fail you),” Pacquiao added.

The eight-division boxing world champ said he’s focusing on forming Team Kia at the moment, but added he’s open to joining the Rookie Draft then seeing action as player/coach of the expansion ball club.

“I will follow the rules of the PBA (on drafting). I’m open to that,” said Pacquiao, admitting his first love is basketball before jumping over to boxing.

“Actually, akala ko yung pinirmahan ko dating kontrata sa basketball, boxing pala. Biro lang po,” said Pacquiao, smiling.

“I really love basketball that’s why even though I’ve had my accomplishments in boxing, I’m still fond of basketball,” Pacquiao added.

He said he would be hands-on in training and in actual coaching although he will have his battery of assistant coaches.

Spotted in the ceremony were former PBA players Rob Wainwright and Chito Victolero, regularly seen assisting Pacquiao in Kia tryouts. Glenn Capacio and Ariel Vanguardia were other names mentioned before as being eyed to help out Pacquiao.

“I’m really focused now on getting good players and in organizing a good team. I’m thinking of the fans. I don’t want to be embarrassed,” Pacquiao said.

“The existing teams have class A players. We must be a defensive team. I’m not saying we can’t get good players (from the dispersal draft and the rookie draft). They will go through my tough training. They have to be ready,” Pacquiao also said.

As a basketball coach, Pacquiao said he’s banking on his experience and exposure as owner/player of his basketball team in the defunct Liga Pilipinas.

“We had also joined national open basketball championships. There’s a lot strategies in basketball and a lot of styles of play. I will use boxing strategies in training. Kaya dapat talagang maghanda ang mga players ko,” he said.

“When I train for boxing, I allot a day for basketball. It’s all basketball for one day. I really believe you can mix boxing and basketball (training) especially plyo (plyometrics),” he added.

What’s up for Pacquiao in return in joining Kia and in his PBA entry, one reporter asked.

“Alam mo na susunod doon. Baka di lang siya maging congressman. Naiisip ko lang you have 60 million televiewers at ilan bang boto kailangan for national office,” said the CAC chairman, who is also the current governor of Palawan.

Getting back to basketball, Alvarez said: “Don’t underestimate Manny. He’s a good 3-point shooter.”

Now a lawmaker/boxer/basketball coach rolled into one, what does Manny want to be called?

“Manny lang,” he said.