Still no RP lineup in badminton

A member of the Philippine badminton team has expressed disappointment over the controversy brought about by head coach Butch Oreta’s resignation due to his differences with some members of the Philippine Badminton Association board.

"Of course, it’s disappointing and demoralizing," said the player who requested anonimity.

He said an issue like this is the last thing the players in the national team need as they look forward to the country’s hosting of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games on Nov. 27 to Dec. 5.

"The SEA Games is fast approaching. And we still don’t have an official lineup. By this time, a team should have been formed already. But how can we form one when there are no tryouts?" he added.

"We should be focusing on the SEA Games since we are the hosts," he said, adding that replacing the head coach with less than 10 months left before the SEA Games will not guarantee a strong performance by the Filipinos.

"But as national athletes, we will keep on training whoever is appointed as new head coach," he said.

There are reports that the PBA plans to tap two Indonesians to represent the Philippines in the SEA Games.

Quietly, the foreigners completed a two-year residency in the Philippines. They even donned the RP colors during the 2004 US Open, making them eligible to play as Filipinos in the SEA Games.

If it pushes through, then it could only add up to the demoralization among the Filipino players.

Oreta, head coach of the RP team since 2002, resigned before PBA president and Amelita "Ming" Ramos, the former First Lady, last November.

Oreta said he resigned with a heavy heart in that he has deep respect for the former First Lady whom he described as one who truly knows her badminton. Mrs. Ramos was a former member of the RP badminton team.