Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws interim coach Manolo Refugia praised the professionalism of his Congolese rookie, Faida Bakanke, who is grieving over the death of her father last week.
According to him, the 6-foot opposite hitter continued to give her all for the Lady Tamaraws despite what happened to her father back in Congo.
“Para kay Faida, talagang saludo kaming mga teammates niya, coaches kasi sa mga pinagdaanan niya nitong mga nakaraan, siguro siya ‘yung best example ng athlete talaga,” said Refugia.
“Talagang walang dahilan, kaya siguro lumalabas din sa galaw nya, ‘yung talagang pinaghihirapan niya,” he added. “Sa training, hindi niya pinapakita na ganon, talagang pag after ng game ‘yun talaga pero pag sa training, talagang makikita mo ‘yung Faida na gusto namin makita.”
Bakanke had her best game for the Lady Tamaraws last Friday in the 2023 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, as she scored 19 points in their 25-23, 19-25, 25-16, and 25-22 win over the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers.
“I’m so sad that I lost my father. I say hello to my mother, my coach, and my teammates,” said Bakanke in her Player of the Game interview. “Thank you for the support of FEU. I love you so so so much.”
Bakanke and the Lady Tamaraws will aim for a preliminary round sweep next Wednesday against the 5-0 University of the East Lady Warriors.
