New PH volley coach says there are no shoo-ins

MANILA, Philippines — As far as the newly minted head coach of the national women's volleyball team is concerned, no one is assured of a spot in the team.

Seasoned coach Francis Vicente on Tuesday said everyone must try out to earn a spot in the national team that will be competing in the upcoming SEA games.

"Ang national team, (pangalan na ng) Pilipinas (ang dala mo), hindi na club team o university," he said during the weekly PSA forum at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.

"Unfair sa iba. Ayoko mabansagan na may kinikilingan," he also said.

Vicente was appointed by the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas to revive the country's volleyball program after a sour outing in international tournaments.

He said they are forming a training pool of 18-20 players with a mix of young and seasoned players along with reserves.

The tryouts will begin with the Metro Manila leg in the last week of January, followed by tryouts in Cebu and Davao.

Vicente said that aside from tall and talented players, he is looking for those who are willing to devote their time to the team.

"I respect the talent, but may process na kailangan sundan," Vicente said.