WHILE there may have been some signs of an impending exit, Taka Minowa, the former Akari coach, either couldn't read them or perhaps, just ignored them. Thus, when the bad news finally arrived, it came as a complete shock.
Minowa was fired as head coach of Akari after leading the team to two podium finishes in the Premier Volleyball League, saying he learned about it in an email sent to him and that no team official told him in person about the huge decision.
The Japanese coach said he was aware that the services of coaches like him are company decisions. But as professionals, he would've appreciated a little courtesy where the team would inform him early about its plan.
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According to Minowa, who is married to overseas-based Filipina volleyball star Jaja Santiago, he repeatedly badgered team officials about their plans for the future but got no response each time - probably one sign he should not have ignored.
That was the case until on May 1, when Minowa said he received the email informing him of his termination.
Had he known that his head was on the chopping block, Minowa said he could'be made his own arrangements and considered offers, many of them, he said, from abroad.
"There was no prior discussion at all (about ending his contract)," said Minowa.
READ: Taka Minowa leaves Akari after nearly two years with club
“It happened quite suddenly — without any prior discussion, I received a letter out of the blue,” Minowa said.
“My contract was coming to an end, and I had received offers from club teams in both Europe and Asia, so I needed to make a decision by the end of April.
“However, since I had been planning for Akari’s long-term development, it was important for me to understand the team’s future direction before making any commitments.”
Back in March, a month before the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference came to a close, Minowa was already looking ahead on how to build on a promising campaign that saw the Chargers win bronze.
Little did he know then that the team had plans to go in a different direction - without him.
Minowa found out he’d be replaced as head coach exactly 19 days after Akari’s bronze-clinching 25-15, 26-24, 26-24 win over Choco Mucho.
“Beginning in March, even before the conference had ended, I reached out to the team manager several times to inquire about the team’s plans,” Minowa said.
“Unfortunately, I never received any response from the owner. Then, on May 1st, I was suddenly informed via email that I would be leaving the team.”
The price Coach Taka had to pay
April 30 was his personal deadline on whether he’d entertain offers abroad.
Choosing to honor his contract with Akari, Minowa waited until the very last minute. He was terminated on May 1, a day after his deadline has passed.
“I lost offers from other countries because the team gave me an answer after my offer deadlines had already passed. I still have offers, but they’re not quite the same as what I lost,” Minowa said.
His own future now hinges on where his wife, now Sachi Minowa, will decide to take her talents for the 2025-26 season.
“Still, I’m trying to stay positive that maybe this is a sign that Jaja and I are meant to live in the same country, especially since I’ve been working abroad for three years since we got married.
“I’ll wait for Jaja’s decision for the upcoming season, and then I’ll see what opportunities are available for me there.”
PH still his home
As his fairytale run in the Philippines comes to a close, Minowa would have wanted that it did not end the way it did.
But he’s keeping his doors open on a possible return to what he said is "one of the most amazing volleyball communities in the world."
“I fully understand that all decisions regarding the team ultimately rest with the owner, and I respect whatever direction they choose,” Minowa said.
“However, as a professional team, it’s disappointing that things were handled in this manner.
“I still hope that one day, I’ll be back here in one of the most amazing volleyball communities in the world.”
SPIN.ph has reached out to the Akari management for comment, but has yet to get a response at posting time.
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