Akari, Nxled set new goals, strategies

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AS the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference nears, sister teams Akari and Nxled are eager to showcase their visions and renewed strategies.

Despite their different approaches, both teams share a common goal: to rise and stamp their mark in the new season set to start Nov. 9.

Coming off a surprising runner-up finish in the Reinforced Conference, the Chargers aim to sustain their momentum and prove they can contend without their former American import Oly Okaro.

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Known for her high-scoring plays, Okaro was a pivotal force in Akari’s breakthrough run, where the team nearly clinched the championship. Head coach Taka Minowa is aware of the challenge ahead, emphasizing that the team must now learn to rely on collective strength.

“Actually, everything is back to zero,” said Minowa, as his team prepares for the six-month-long tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The Chargers will also welcome back wing spiker Faith Nisperos and middle blocker Fifi Sharma, who missed the previous conference due to commitments with Alas Pilipinas. Both players expressed excitement to be back, inspired by their teammates’ recent success.

“It’s also an added motivation because seeing that they can perform at that level. Nakaka-excite siya, Actually, nung nanonood kami ni Faith parang nakakainggit kasi gusto talaga namin maglaro,” Sharma and Nisperos shared.

The Nxled Chameleons have focused on rebuilding after a challenging 1-7 performance in the last conference. To revamp their strategy, they enlisted Italian coach Ettore Guidetti, who brings a diverse set of coaching philosophies drawn from Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese and Italian systems.

Acknowledging Nxled’s underdog status, Guidetti aims to turn it into an advantage.

“Our goal is to improve, knowing that a lot of teams have also strengthened. We’re approaching the conference with courage and humility, knowing we’re not yet among the top teams,” he said.

Guidetti has been with the Chameleons for two months and feels optimistic about their progress as they gear up against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Nov. 12 in the second elims playdate of the tournament supported by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, Watsons, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar and Mikasa.

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