Silva dazzles in PSL debut for Smart

MANILA, Philippines — Gyselle Silva made heads turn when she delivered a sizzling performance for Smart in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Tuesday at the Muntinlupa Sports Center.

And there’s one man who was very vocal in expressing his admiration for the former member of the Cuban national team — Moro Branislav.

A seasoned international mentor with a clear eye for talent, Branislav said Silva is such an excellent player who has the ability to lead a ragtag team to greater heights.

“I was impressed,” said the noted Serbian guru, adding that Silva’s arrival is definitely a major boost to the league and to Philippine volleyball in general.

“This is just my opinion, but I believe we have found a new star. Her (arrival) is very good for the PSL and Philippine volleyball. She adds more quality to competition and it is not every day your local players can play against high level international player like her.”

True enough, Silva announced her arrival in style.

She finished the game with 33 points, the league’s highest-ever individual scoring output in three sets.

She also registered 32 excellent attacks in just 77 attempts, leaving one of her competitors in Cignal import Jeane Horton of the United States in awe over her impressive performance.

“Oh Sh**! She really had 32 attack points in just 77 attempts!? Wow!!”

Branislav, who brought Serbians Sara Klisura of Cocolife and Katarina Vukamanovic of Foton to the country, said the Giga Hitters still have another powerful import coming.

Serbian Sanja Trivunovic is expected to arrive any time soon to boost Smart’s offensive assault.

“Just wait for Smart’s other import,” he said.

“She’s my former player in Serbia for (Partizan) Vizura where she played with Klisura and (Tijana) Boskovic. I really can’t say that she’s better than Sara, but she’s really worth watching.”

But for now, it’s Silva who won the hearts of local volleyball fans.