PNVF eyes Visayas, Mindanao clubs in Champs’ Cup-style tourney

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) bared plans to set up a Champions Cup-style tournament in May or June, and is in talks with companies in the south to give representation to Visayas and Mindanao.

Early plans include selecting top six teams each in men’s and women’s in the National Capital Region. Corporations based in the Visayas and Mindanao will then be invited to join the tournament and tap homegrown players or those who have no affiliation with any club in the current Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

The PVL is expected to supply the squads for the National Capital Region. The tournament is expected to grow the game further in the south, where the only volleyball leagues are collegiate contests.

The PVL, meanwhile, already has 12 clubs listed for its first professional tournament slated in May.

Meanwhile, the PNVF has also named the coaches of the national men’s and women’s squads.

Dante Alinsunurin retained his position as chief mentor of the men’s team which won a silver, that felt like a gold, in the last Southeast Asian Games, where the team defeated powerhouse Thailand in the semifinals.

Former University of Santo Tomas coach Odjie Mamon will handle the women’s team until a Brazilian coach, recommended by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), takes over in July.