FILE–Alas Pilipinas coach Angiolino Frigoni during the SEA VLeague first leg.–SAVA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — With one year to go before the country’s historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships, Japanese national team star Yuji Nishida and Osaka Bluteon are out to play the Alas Pilipinas in a series of friendlies over the weekend at Philsports Arena.
From representing Japan in the Volleyball Nations League in the past three Manila legs, Nishida will be leading his Japan SV.League against Alas, which is led by SEA V.League awardees Buds Buddin and Kim Malabunga.
“Now it’s already a little bit tiring because we just finished practice and came back here but I’m so happy to join this [friendlies]… I hope to give more energy to the fans and prepare for the Japan V.League,” said Nishida as he tests the mettle of Alas at 6 p.m. before another game on Sunday. “Nice to meet you National Team of Pilipinas. I hope I will be chosen to play for the national team next year [for the world championship]. I’m looking forward to the game.”
READ: Alas Pilipinas teams set for exhibition vs visiting Japan teams
Yuji Nishida on facing Alas Pilipinas. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/pvSXY3X09W
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 6, 2024
The two-day joust against Japanese teams comes on the heels of Alas’ historic bronze-medal finish in the SEA V. League, leaving no stone unturned in its World Championships preparations that will also include a training camp in Italy.
“We have to practice and play as much as possible against international teams,” said Alas men coach Angiolino Frigoni, the former mentor of the powerhouse Italian women’s team before taking the helm for Alas men now.
“This is a very big opportunity and challenge for our players. I hope they will not be afraid to play against players and teams they normally see only on TV. I hope it will be useful for us for the world championships next year.”
Meanwhile, coach Jorge Souza De Brito and the Alas women’s team battle SV.League club Saga Hisamitsu Springs at 3 p.m.
“It’s an honor and a big opportunity for the Alas women trying to keep growing which is always important. It’s important for us to improve our game, especially against strong teams and players from Japan,” said De Brito, who steered Alas to three bronze medals in the AVC Challenge Cup and the past two SEA V.League legs.
De Brito, though, will rely on Julia Coronel and another surprise player, whom he didn’t reveal, as Jia De Guzman is already in Japan for the Denso AiryBees’ season.
READ: Alas Pilipinas men rally past Vietnam for 2nd SEA VLeague bronze
Alas coaches on their friendlies. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/4cW0YqhWxN
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 6, 2024
Erika Sakae and Miyu Nagaoka will headline Hisamitsu, the 2022 V.League champion, under the tutelage of Shingo Sakai.
“I’m so happy to play against the Philippine team. It’s a long time no see to play against the Philippines. I’m looking forward to playing with [them],” said Nagaoka, who last played in the Philippines in the FIVB World Club Championship and AVC Club Championship in 2016.
“The Philippines fans’ passion is so big so I felt and we want to inspire Philippine fans with our volleyball and next month we will [play in the SV.League] so we want to make a good preparation,” Sakae added.
The one-year countdown for the 32-team world tourney will be having a week-long celebration before the official World Championships draw on Sept. 14 and a kickoff concert to be hosted by Malacañang on Sept. 15.
“This is the first time for Southeast Asia to host both divisions. This is history for SEA. My new role as AVC president is to have a closer relationship with our Asian counterparts and as well as with, Europe, Africa, and the Americas,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) headed by newly-elected AVC president Tats Suzara.
“These are strong teams from Japan so we’re excited and happy to play them. We’re grateful for their time. This will be an eye-opening friendly for our Filipino fans, like in the VNL, and ahead of the world championships.”