Cocolife eyes Myla Pablo

MANILA, Philippines – With Myla Pablo opting out of her contract with Pocari Sweat, the race is on for other teams to acquire her services.

But one club is very serious in its pursuit — Cocolife.

Cocolife team official Joshua Ylaya admitted that they have been eyeing the hard-hitting spiker since January as part of their grand plan of forming a very competitive team in the Philippine Superliga next season.

The addition of Pablo would be a game-changer for the Asset Managers.

In fact, she’s being groomed to be the nucleus of Cocolife together with Filipino-American spiker Kalei Mau to form a two-headed attacking machine that would wreak havoc in the country’s most prestigious club league.

Aside from her, Cocolife is also looking to secure the services of a veteran setter and a pair of middle blockers from the rival league to join Denden Lazaro at the defensive end.

Ylaya admitted that one of the middle blockers they are looking on is Jeanette Panaga, whose contract with Pocari Sweat also formally expired last week.

“We have a great plan for next year and we’re hoping that Myla would be part of it,” said Ylaya, adding that they are plotting a massive comeback in the import-flavored Grand Prix in January.

“Myla is a special player. Aside from her attacking prowess and great defense, she’s also very coachable and a good person as well. The team that would land her would surely become a serious contender.”

Cocolife’s bid, however, wouldn’t be easy.

Sources said Foton is also making a push to acquire her as well as BanKo Perlas and Petrogazz.

Although Foton is said to have an inside track for being good friends with the mother company of Pocari Sweat, Federal Distributors, Inc., the recruiting prowess of Perlas Spikers and Angels shouldn’t be discounted as well after Pablo listened to their respective pitches.

Ylaya said they’re keeping their fingers crossed.

“At this point, only Myla can tell where would she go,” said Ylaya.

“We’re just happy to be considered and we wish her well.  Whatever happens, whatever her decision would be, we’re supporting her all the way.”

Still, Ylaya is hopeful that a strong finish in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference would translate into something positive, including what sideliners dubbed as the “Myla Pablo Sweepstakes.”

“All hope is not yet lost this year. Our goal is to gain experience so we’re vowing to play our hearts out and come down swinging game in and game out,” said Ylaya, whose crew is fashioning a 1-7 win-loss mark.

“We want to finish strong. We believe that a strong finish would definitely translate into something positive heading into the next season.”