BY ABBY TORALBA
THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation bolstered the men’s team ahead of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia May by tapping a new coach and three Fil-Am recruits.
Under the leadership of PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, the federation has formally named Brazilian coach Sergio Veloso to the squad and welcomed Steven Rotter, Michael Raymund Vicente, and Cyrus De Guzman last Saturday in a press conference at the Golden Bay Fresh Seafoods Restaurant in Pasay.
“I am so happy and the first time I’ve been in the Philippines and I’m excited for this opportunity,” Veloso, who will work with erstwhile interim tactician Odjie Mamon, said. “I have worked in volleyball as a coach for 30 years and this opportunity to improve, help Philippine volleyball is part of the program of the international volleyball federation.
“I’m so proud because I know the Philippines has very good potential and I can help. I am so happy, and I think we can do a very good job. These two days that I’m here, I can see this potential,” he added.
Suzara thanked the Fil-Nation Select headed by Cris Gopez for the endorsement of the 6-foot-5 Rotter, 6-foot-3 Vicente, and 6-foot-6 De Guzman who are expected to provide a big help to the national team bidding to return in the SEA Games podium following its silver medal finish in the 30th edition in 2019 in Manila.
In the last edition of the biennial meet held in Hanoi, Vietnam, the national team finished fifth.
