The mission of newly-installed Philippine men’s volleyball squad head coach Sergio Veloso is one set a time as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) aims for a podium return in the 32nd Cambodia Southeast Asian Games on May 5 to 17.
Just two days after arriving in Manila, the former Maldives national coach believes the Filipinos have what it takes to figure prominently although he still in the process of evaluating the 18-man national pool.
“The target should be win, win and win and fight for the medal or fight for the gold,” the 57-year-old Brazilian told reporters in a news conference organized by the PNVF on Saturday at the Golden Bay Restaurant in Pasay City, where it also introduced three new Filipino-American players.
“It’s a one set a time for us, and I believe they have the capability to win as a unit.”
Veloso was introduced by the PNVF together with three Filipino-American players – the 6-foot-3 Michael Raymund Vicente, 6-foot-5 Steven Rotter and 6-foot-6 Cyrus De Guzman, who will be joining the 15-man national pool assembled earlier by coach Arthur Ojie Mamon.
“I have to see the players play and train together first and I will inform the association before making any decision. I have to see their response,” Veloso said. “I met the players yesterday and coach Odjie Mamon. I am sure they are big help.” Veloso added that the national men’s pool will be have a two-week training camp in Osaka, Japan beginning April 3 to 20 to hone their skills and familiarity prior to the SEA Games.
“That’s our target to play some games there against club teams,” he added.
PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara expressed excitement to the new Philippine men’s volleyball team, which is hoping to improve its last year’s fifth place finish in the Hanoi, Vietnam games in May.
“The arrival of the three Filipino-Americans and coach Sergio [Veloso] is very promising especially in Cambodia,” Suzara said, who also thanked Foton for donating a van to the association. “We are very thankful to the blessings and the support from Foton.”
