FILE — Volleyball coach Odjie Mamon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Coach Odjie Mamon will be getting valuable help from Brazilian mentor Edson Souza de Brito as they steer the women’s national volleyball team this year.
The former University of Santo Tomas women’s head coach will not only develop the 16 players already in the pool but he will also be choosing the squad’s additional members during the duration of the Premier Volleyball League.
And having Edson by his side would be a great asset for Mamon.
“Of course, I’m also excited to work with an Olympic gold medalist and veteran coach, now as a colleague,” said Mamon, who replaced former coach Shaq de los Santos for the head coach position, during a virtual press conference on Thursday.
Edson and Mamon were both national team players during their younger years but the Brazilian had some prestigious hardware tucked in his trophy cabinet.
Coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito. PNVF PHOTO
The 54-year-old former middle blocker from Porto Alegre won the 1992 Olympic gold medal in Barcelona and was a remote assistant coach with his country’s national women’s team that won it all in the 2008 Beijing Summer Games.
“When I was still playing, I was also coached by an Olympic medalist so I’m really looking forward to working with him,” said Mamon.
Edson is expected to arrive in the Philippines in July as per Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.
Mamon said he has yet to talk with Edson but they exchanged emails recently about the list of potential members for the national team pool.