By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
It’s no easy task but the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has already created a timeline in its bid to assemble a national team that will go up against the giants when the country hosts the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next year.
And PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara is already looking at a mixture of semi-professional players as well as collegiate athletes from the UAAP and NCAA to comprise the squad that will try to pull off a surprise win against established squads whose players have been playing in professional leagues in various parts of Europe, United States and even in the Asian region.
“We will definitely work hard. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s an opportunity for our men’s volleyball players to compete globally,” Suzara said during Tuesday’s press conference in Taguig City.
Suzara said the program will be presented next month after the semi-professional and collegiate leagues, with coaches Sergio Veloso, Dante Alinsunurin and Odjie Mamon, tasked to assemble the training pool that will be composed of 20 to 25 players.
Among the plans for the PH pool are sending them to tournaments such as the AVC Challenge Cup, the Southeast Asian League, a tournament in Thailand, and a training camp exchange with Japanese clubs.
Suzara also added they are eyeing around three to four Fil-foreigners in California to join the pool.
“I’ll see them in June if they are available to join the team,” Suzara.
As host, the country is given a slot to the 32-team field that will be finalized in September during the draw that will be also held in Manila.
Meanwhile, organizers announced that the world championships will be held in two major Metro Manila venues — the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“We are committed to boost the economics of volleyball in the country,” said PNVF Chairman Emeritus Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who is also the chairman of the local organizing committee.
“Volleyball’s time has come. Hindi tayo pwedeng we’re only a basketball nation. We’re also a nation that loves volleyball,” he added.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino relayed his congratulations to the Cayetano and the PNVF for winning the bid to host the worlds.
“Congratulations to the PNVF for all the effort and grateful to the FIVB for the trust given to us,” Tolentino said. “It shows that volleyball very active in our country with lots of supporters and stakeholders. Now it’s another opportunity to showcase our country through sports.”
