AFTER leading the squad to its first-ever franchise title, veteran coach Koji Tsuzurabara has parted ways with fancied Petro Gazz in the PVL.
The Japanese tactician posted farewell posts to his colleagues earlier this week, including a post dedicated to the Angels program director, Oliver Almadro, last Sunday, who brought him to the team.
Tsuzurabara spearheaded the Angels to a maiden crown three months ago in the All-Filipino Conference.
“When I won the 2025 PVL All-Filipino, I received so many congratulatory messages. And now that I’m leaving the team, I’m getting even more emails asking ‘why?’” Tsuzurabara, 60, posted on social media.
“In the midst of all this, I had a chat with my friend, coach O (Almadro). I’ve been friends with him since 2018. It was coach O who recommended me for this year’s PGA stint.
“He was very kind to me and was a great understanding friend of mine. I’m so grateful. Thank you, my friend,” he added.
Tsuzuraba arrived in the country in January last year, replacing coach Timmy Sto. Tomas, and steered the Angels to a bronze medal finish in the first All-Filipino Conference that year.
He also guided the squad in its title bid in the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League in 2024.
Petro Gazz has not yet released an official statement regarding Tsuzurabara’s departure and who will succeed him.
In the current PVL On Tour, the Angels have been struggling without stars Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Philippines who are both with the Alas Pilipinas national women’s volleyball team.
The Angels carry a 1-3 slate in Pool A of the preseason tournament and are fourth in the standings.
