Branislav quits as Foton coach, turns down extension offer

MANILA, Philippines -- Serbian mentor Moro Branislav is set to quit as head coach of Foton, fanning speculations that he is set to join another club when the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix kicks off this February.

Foton team manager Diane Santiago confirmed that Branislav is now free to negotiate with any teams after declining their offer for extension.

She said Branislav already kissed the team goodbye during their Christmas party last December 18 and thanked the organization for giving him the opportunity to work in the country.

“Coach Moro told us that I will still see you next year – but at the other end of the court,” said Santiago, the amiable sister of Foton stars Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat.

“We tried our best to keep him, but I think there is a much better offer for him. We just want to express our gratitude for working with us and we wish him well in his new endeavor.”

Insiders claimed that at last three teams are already talking to Branislav.

One of those teams, however, is already “very close” to striking a deal, a development that would turn the club into a solid championship contender.

“They are already very close to making a deal,” a prominent PSL sideliner said. “Coach Moro won’t be unemployed for long. He will have a new club before this week ends.”

Branislav admitted that he’s already on his way out after coaching the Tornadoes for a little more than a year and leading them to the Grand Prix title in 2016.

He thanked the Tornadoes for the opportunity and stressed that he’s now looking forward to coaching another club where he will have a golden chance to develop other local players.

“I left Foton because there are better offers for me,” said Branislav, who is fresh from a one-week break in Siargao.

“As you see, I am a professional coach and I am ready to work with any team. Just like local volleyball players, I also want to experience other work environment and grow both as a coach and as a person as well.”

Branislav became the second mentor to bolt out of their teams.

Jerry Yee sparked what looms as a merry-go-round of wheeling and dealing when he stepped down from Sta. Lucia Realty to assume the coaching job with a new team in the Premier Volleyball League.