THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. is working on shoring up its national team program with an eye for the long haul. — PNVF
THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Inc. (PNVF) is working on shoring up its national team program with an eye for the long haul.
Speaking on the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, PNVF President Ramon Suzara said they are currently working on developing a successful program, but admitted the process will take some time.
“It takes years to have a good national team. This is not a one-shot deal. It’s long-term development,” said the local volleyball federation chief, who was elected to his post early this year.
Part of their push is having added learning in training and development as well as exposure to more high-level competition.
PNVF recently brought in Brazilian coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito to be a consultant and work with the national coaches. He is expected to share his vast experience coaching in different parts of the world for the national team to take cue from.
The country’s national team pool is set to compete in the Asian Women’s and Men’s Club Volleyball Championship tournaments in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, next month, part of PNVF’s push to familiarize the players more with the competition they are up against on the international stage.
The country will be sending three teams — two for women to be coached by Mr. Souza de Brito and Odjie Mamon, and one for men to be handled by Dante Alinsunurin.
The teams are composed of a mix of veteran and upcoming players who the PNVF hopes to develop into a cohesive unit for various competitions moving forward.
The national teams are currently training in a semi-bubble in Lipa City, Batangas.
The women’s teams are scheduled to leave on Sept. 27 in time for the tournament set from Oct. 1 to 7. The men’s squad, on the other hand, is flying to Thailand on Oct. 4 for its own tournament scheduled from Oct. 8 to 15.
After the Thailand meet, the PNVF is working on sending the players for further training abroad.
“We’re used to the Asian level now. We need to bring them to Europe, Brazil or the US. We’re going that direction,” Mr. Suzara said.
The PNVF sees challenges ahead with the conditions brought about by the pandemic still in effect, but it remains undeterred in seeing its programs through.
“We have to move forward. We don’t want volleyball to stop or die because of the pandemic,” Mr. Suzara said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo