Photo from PNVF
MANILA, Philippines—Philippine volleyball team consultant Jorge Souza de Brito stood pat on the non-inclusion of Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado from the national side.
“I think we need some fresh blood, younger and taller players,” Souza de Brito said on Tuesday during the PSA Forum.
Last week, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) announced the composition of the men’s and two women’s squads for next month’s Asian Club Volleyball Championship in Thailand minus the two standouts.
The PNVF was under fire on social media for not selecting Valdez and Morado, who are just 28 and 26 years old, respectively, and are arguably the best players in their position.
The absence of 23-year-old Kath Arado, who was named Best Libero in last month’s Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, also drew flak.
The Brazilian mentor, though, is convinced the current national team pool is already composed of the cream of the crop.
“We try to do what’s best for the national team and I think we were able to make the best decision for the volleyball team.”
Valdez and Morado skipped the volleyball tryouts last April over health and safety concerns.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat, MJ Phillips, Kalei Mau, Rhea Dimaculangan and Majoy Baron are among the players who made the 24-woman pool.