THREE top local teams get to play a formidable Thai squad in Est Cola as the final round of the Philippine Super Liga Invitational Conference gets underway on Thursday at The Arena in San Juan.
First to face the Thais is F2 Logistics in the 4 p.m. match. Petron and RC Cola Army clash in the 6 p.m. match.
Est Cola wll be without 16-year-old star Chatchu-on Moksri and Kanittha Juangjan, who were called up by the Thai national team that is going for a slot in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Taking their spots are Sutadta Chuewulim and Sineenat Phocharoen, who saw action in the AVC Asian Cup and FIVB World Championship last year.
Cha Cruz and Aby Maraño, who played for the PSL All-Star that saw action in the Thai-Denmark Super League two weeks ago, heads F2 along with Pau Soriano and Danika Gendrauli.
Dokmai, who called the shots for Idea Khonkaen, was impressed with the PSL selection when he saw the team in Thailand.
"The first time I saw them they're very good," he said, noting that he remembers the PSL squad taking a set from Bangkok Glass. “Philippine team is very good."
Cargo Movers coach Mayie Prochina is eager to face the Thais.
"I'm expecting an exciting and tough competition because of the Thai team," she said. "Syempre pride ng country ang at stake kaya ayaw namin matalo."
Dokmai is also grateful that his young players are being given international exposure early.
"It's a good opportunity for our players because many of my players are very young," said Dokmai. "I know the Philippines has many spectators and I expect to do our best."
"I want my players to get experience," he added.
Meanwhile, the Lady Troopers and Tri-Activ Spikers vowed to give Est Cola a good fight.
"Nag prepare kami for two weeks, we have a very rigid training," said RC Cola Army coach Kungfu Reyes.
"Exciting at intense ang mga games hopefully lahat mag-enjoy," seconded Petron mentor George Pascua.
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