by Waylon Galvez
The men’s national water polo team will have a long training camp in Europe in an effort to get the experience in preparation for the Southeast Asian Games this year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Dale Evangelista, a member of the coaching staff, said that the team was able to arrange a training camp in Spain under coach Quim Colet, a former member of the coaching staff of the Spanish men’s water polo team, and coach Gabor Egedi of Hungary.
“It’s a very important training camp for the water polo national team,” said Evangelista. “Our players will learn valuable lessons from world class coaches in Quim Colet and Gabor Egedi.”
“Both are respected coaches in international competitions. That’s why we are excited with this opportunity for the players and also for the coaches,” Evangelista added as he joins head coach Rey Galang and Ricardo Dilap Dilap, all former members of the national team.
A total of 13 players are on board for the Europe training camp, including Roy Cañete, who last played during the 2007 Laos SEA Games.
“Ang immediate target of course is makapag-medal uli tayo sa SEA Games, pero kung magha-hangad din lang tayo siyempre gusto na din natin maka-gold medal,” said the 38-year-old Cañete.
The other members of the team are Tani Gomez, Mico Anota, Adan Gonzales, Mummar Alamaro, Mark Valdez, Romark Belo, Frazier Alamara, Matthew Yu, Paolo Serrano, McGyver Reyes, Abnel Amilajid and Aljon Salonga.
The team will leave for Barcelona on June 20 and will stay there for a month-long training under Colet, who heads the Barcelona International Water Polo Academy, with tune up games against various club teams arranged by Turbo, the Spain-based swim wear.
The team will also visit Portugal on July 18 where they will also play tune up matches against club teams.
