Alas Pilipinas Men test mettle under new Italian coach in SEA V. League

A rejigged Alas Pilipinas Men's team will get to ply its wares under a new coach when the nationals see action in the first leg of 2024 SEA V. League that the country is hosting this weekend. 

The men's national team will compete with its new Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni for the first time starting on August 16 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. 

The Filipinos will first take on Vietnam on Friday at 6 p.m. before slugging it out against powerhouse and two-time defending champion Indonesia on Saturday at the same time. They will conclude the tournament on Sunday against Thailand also at 6 p.m. 

The tournament, according to Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon "Tats" Suzara, is an opportunity for the national squad to showcase its prowess against the best teams in the Southeast Asia region. It will also help in their preparation for the Philippines' much-awaited hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship next year. 

“Playing against quality teams in Southeast Asia is a great test for our Philippine men’s team with new men’s coach Angiolino Frigoni,” Suzara said. 

“We are excited to see our team compete.”

Leading the 14-man team of the 70-year-old Frigoni are mainstays outside hitter Bryan Bagunas, middle blocker Kim Malabunga, and setter Joshua Retamar. 

Rounding out the team are Josh Ybañez, Vince Patrick Lorenzo, Jade Lex Disquitado, Noel Kampton, Gabriel Casaña, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, Jenngerard Diao, Lloyd Josafat, Louie Ramirez and Michaelo Buddin. 

Team captain Marck Espejo, who was recently signed by Japanese club Kubota Spears Osaka, isn't part of the tournament. He last played during the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain last June. 

Meanwhile, joining Frigoni's staff are Dante Alinsunurin, Matteo Antonucci, Odjie Mamon, trainer Dexter Clamor, physiotherapist Yuichi Akaba, and team manager Jerome Guhit. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News