PSL targets strong squad for Bangkok tournament

Philippine Superliga president Ramon “Tats” Suzara refused to concede to a marketing ploy and said the league will put together a strong contender for the tough Thai-Denmark Super League women’s club championships next month.

Despite the request of executives of the organizing SMM TV to bring in the “prettiest players” to better market the March 23 to 29 tournament slated in Bangkok, Suzara said they will make sure the Philippines will have a fighting team.

Aspirants will try out on Friday at Far Eastern University gym ahead of the coaching staff’s announcement of the final lineup on Sunday.

“I have no idea who [the coach] will select as players, but rest assured that it’s going to be a fighting team,” said Suzara. George Pascua, coach of two-time champion Petron, was appointed head coach of the Philippine squad.

Suzara said the selection starts this week while the PSL takes a two-week break.

The PSL has been invited to take part in the meet where six Thai clubs and one each from Hong Kong and Philippines are seeing action.

The Filipino spikers have gained a reputation not only for their feistiness on the court but also because of their good looks, especially after seeing action in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

“The success of this tournament will open a lot of doors for women’s volleyball in the region,” said Suzara. “We are thankful for the organizers for inviting us and believing in our ability to compete against other team clubs.”

The chair of the Asian Volleyball Confederation development and marketing committee said Thai tourney could spur the birth of a Southeast Asian League.

Among the teams competing are King-Bangkok, Idea Khonkaen, 3BB Nokhonnont, Nakhon Ratchasima, Supreme Chonburi and reigning champion Bangkok Glass, which boasts national players in its fold.