PNVF unveils new coach, new recruits

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) beefed up its preparations for a redemption bid in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games with a new mentor and three reinforcements for the men’s national team.

Led by president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, the PNVF yesterday officially named Brazilian Sergio Veloso as the coach of the Filipino spikers starting in the SEA Games in place of former tactician Dante Alinsunurin.

And right away, he will have key additions at his disposal with the PNVF also unveiling Filipino-American stalwarts Steven Rotter, Cyrus de Guzman and Michael Raymund Vicente to bolster the men’s team.

The 6-foot-3 Rotter and 6-foot-2 Vicente are fiery spikers while the 6-foot-6 De Guzman is a towering middle blocker, serving as potent cavalries for the country’s vengeance bid in the biennial meet this May in Cambodia.

The Philippines captured the silver medal at home in the 2019 SEA Games but faltered in the next edition in Vietnam with a mere fifth-place finish.

“I’m so proud to be here and I’m excited to show what we can do for the Philippines. I think we can do a very good job to help Philippine volleyball,” said Veloso.