Multi-titled mentor Dante Alinsunurin is back to boost the think tank of the Philippine men’s volleyball team more than a year after parting ways with the squad.
Alinsurin will serve as one of national team coach Brazilian Sergio Veloso’s deputies for the coming 2025 FIVB World Championship that the country will host from 12 to 28 September at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The National University men’s squad head coach is making his return after being replaced by Veloso in January last year in a controversial fashion.
His return meant all was well between him and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s (PNVF) leadership.
“We had a meeting and PNVF told me that I will be one of the assistant coaches of coach Sergio. That will be my role in the national team,” Alinsurin said during the press launch of the Philippines’ hosting of the prestigious men’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the Marquis Events Place in Taguig.
Also taking the role as Veloso’s assistant is University of Santo Tomas coach Odjie Mamon in the tournament featuring 32 of the best national teams in the world.
Alinsunurin steered the Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas-led national squad to a historic silver medal finish in the 30th Southeast Asian Games held in Manila.
He also called the shots in the pandemic-delayed 31st SEA Games in 2022 where the Philippines finished fifth.
Alinsunurin, however, was sacked from the team as issues regarding the lack of support by the PNVF to the men’s team surfaced with some players deciding to skip last year’s Phnom Penh SEA Games.
“I’m very thankful that despite all that has happened before they still gave me a chance to serve the men’s national team. That’s why I’m back here with the team,” Alisunurin added.
Also back in the fold is prized setter Owa Retamar, who has expressed his intention to try out for the national pool after his last stint with the team two years ago.
“So happy that I’m given a chance to once again join the tryout for the national team. It’s great that the team will now have a long preparation heading into the World Championship. I’m going to prepare and work hard to be able to get a spot in line up,” he said.
The Nationals will have 25 players in the pool which will start training after the ongoing Spikers’ Turf wraps up next month. It will be trimmed down to 14 before the tournament begins.
As part of its buildup, the Filipinos will participate in the SEA V.League, Asian Challenger Cup and a pocket tournament against three Japanese clubs in September.
A strong field will visit the country in their quest for glory in the event’s first-ever solo hosting since 2014 in Poland.
The World Championship is also making a comeback in Asia in almost two decades since Japan hosted the 2006 edition.
Elimination matches will be held in both venues while the quarterfinals and final will be played in Mall of Asia Arena.
Drawing of lots is scheduled on 12 September, exactly a year before the action-packed tournament kicks off.
