THE SEARCH is on for the six Filipino players who will make a historic appearance in the FIVB (international volleyball federation) World Club Women’s Championships.
A team of coaches from the Philippine Superliga to be led by PSL president Ramon “Tats” Suzara will start the selection process that will take consideration their individual talents.
“This is the first time we are playing in the World Club Championships and we need to put up the best possible team,” said Suzara, an official of the FIVB and the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
Suzara said they plan to declare the six Filipino choices one by one to better drum up fan interest for the Oct. 18 to 23 tournament.
There is no guaranteed berth for the host of the tournament but Suzara said the country was given a slot because “the FIVB saw that volleyball in the Philippines is in the upswing.”
“It’s a special setup for us,” he added.
The Philippine team will be allowed to field six foreign players and among those eyed are top Thai setter Nootsara Tomkum and PSL imports Ariel Usher and Lindsay Stalzer.
Among the clubs competing are powerhouse Rexona Ades of Brazil, Bangkok Glass of Thailand, and Pomi Casalmaggiore of Italy.