THE Philippine men’s national volleyball team will see action in a tournament in Thailand as part of its preparation for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Coach Dante Alinsunurin refused to provide a list but only 14 players from the 20-man pool will be sent to the Thailand Open Sealect Tuna Volleyball Championship from July 4 to 10
The team will leave for Thailand on July 3.
Alinsunurin said the players have been given clearance by their mother clubs.
“Meron akong ibinigay na labing-apat na [players] tapos buti na lang ‘yung managers, club teams ay pumayag sa request namin and pati ‘yung liga din,” Alinsunurin said.
“Nag-adjust din kung ano ‘man ‘yung pwedeng gawin para hindi masagasaan ‘yung ibang games ng mga player.”
Alinsunurin made clear the pool members not included in his 14-man team to Thailand still have a chance to make the SEA Games squad.
“Hindi pa naman final yan,” Alinsunurin said. “Kasi importante sa sistema natin, ‘yung setter talaga ang makakasunod sa gusto naming mangyari and siyempre nagkakaproblema din kami sa receive kaya sabi ko may mga chance pa, may mga papasok [pa].”
Alinsunurin was also pleased that organizers of the 23-under tournament allowed the Philippine team, loaded with experienced players, to see action.
“Pinilit ko talaga na isama sila kasi wala naman kaming under-23 talaga na binuo, kung under-23 aapat lang ’yung member dito na pwede maglaro kaya sabi ko, pilitin natin na lahat makalaro,” explained Alinsunurin.
“Buti pumayag ‘yung organizers na maglaro kami doon. Nagpapasalamat ako na mabibigyan kami ng exposure sa labas.”
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