UST is finding it difficult to recruit players in its badminton program, which explains why it has missed the semifinals in the last three UAAP seasons, its coach said.
Coach Noli Cajefe notes the limited offer coming from UST compared to benefits made available by other UAAP schools.
“Athletes and parents today only see the large amounts that are made by other UAAP schools,” Cajefe told the Varsitarian in an interview.
Former UAAP Season 73 rookie-MVP Peter Gabriel Magnaye was a big loss to the team when he left UST to play for the National University.
It took time before team captain Paul Pintig, who was supposed to play for the Far Eastern University, was convinced to join UST, said Cajefe, who noted the role parents played in their children’s decision-making.
The prospects are not exactly bright for UST this season given the disparity in skills of rookies and graduating players.
“My players skills won’t meet since one player will be graduating and the other would be already be gone,” Cajefe said.
National team member Ana Patricia Barredo exhausted her playing years and the Lady Shuttlers have since been trying to find an able replacement.
The lack of preseason tournaments is also a concern for Cajefe.
UST was unable to join the likes of the JVC Open Badminton Championships due to lack of funding, he said.
He said his players sometimes came in late for or even missed training sessions.
Glory days
UST has four titles in the men’s division under its belt while the Lady Shuttlers have yet to follow their 2008 championship run.
The Golden Shuttlers’ four titles were from their two back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005 against Far Eastern University and in 2009 and 2010 against Dela Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University, respectively.
The Lady Shuttlers claimed their lone championship against FEU.
“Back then, the players take it upon themselves to do more than what we do in training,” Cajefe said.
“Nowadays, you have to order the players to do the extra work.”
Cajefe also took note of how new sports programs may have “spoiled” players.
“Back then, the players would shrug off any pain they feel and continue to play,” he said.
“It’s the attitude of the players that counts inside the court. No one, not even the coach, can teach that.”
