Thai assistant coach Wilavan Apinyapong during the post-game press conference after helping steer Est Cola to a victory over Farm Fresh in the PVL Invitationals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Est Cola assistant coach Wilavan Apinyapong, who played her last Southeast Asian Games in Manila five years ago, relished the opportunity in her return to the country, this time, in guiding the under-20 Thailand national team in the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference.
Apinyapong was reminiscent of their 14th gold medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games at Philsports Arena after her young squad received an opportunity to play against three PVL local teams and Japan V.League’s Kurashiki Ablaze, who ruled last year’s Invitationals.
“My last SEA Games [was held] here in the Philippines. I feel [like a] fan of the Philippines, it’s really good because they all support for volleyball [in general] not only for the Philippine team, they also support our team,” said the former Thai national team captain, who retired in 2021. “I feel really happy because I play volleyball because I love volleyball and when I see some people love volleyball, it [brings] good for [the sport of] volleyball.”
Est Cola coaches and players share their thoughts after winning a #PVL2024 game. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/dx7usClc1e
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 9, 2024
From facing the Philippines, which was then led by Alyssa Valdez, Jaja Santiago, and Jia De Guzman, on several occasions, Apinyapong lauded the growth of Philippine volleyball, where her young team learned a lot in its short PVL stint.
“This time, all Philippine players have improved a lot and now the organization in the competition [PVL is] really good. The players are like [experiencing] a professional league in Europe. We will keep this experience to improve our Thailand [team] also,” she said.
READ: PVL: Thais post first win at expense of Farm Fresh
Warisara Seetaload and Natthawan Patthaisong powered Est Cola in a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15 victory over Farm Fresh to end the elimination round with a 1-3 record on Monday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Thais have a chance to play in the bronze medal match on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum if Farm Fresh loses to Creamline on the final day of eliminations in two days.
Apinyapong and decorated Thai player Pleumjit Thinkaow are working for former national team libero Wanna Buakaew to develop their young team.
Thailand’s Est Cola during the PVL Invitationals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“From my experience, I also played before and now as a coach, Philippine style and Thailand style are really close, not different, but I felt like now the Philippines is more improved. Like, before not so good but now every team’s improved and they played [with] a lot of combinations. Everything’s improved about Philippine volleyball,” said Buakaew, whose answers were translated by Apinyapong.
“Our volleyball style, we play happy. We’re happy [playing] volleyball and I tell my players [inside] the court don’t put pressure [yourselves]. [I also] tell them to try to do our best but still control skills and techniques.”
Regardless if they still have a chance to win a bronze medal or not, the Thai players are already grateful for their PVL experience.
“It’s very exciting because it is my first time to go out of my country and play professional volleyball with many fans watching the games. I’ll gain a lot of experience here to improve myself and be a better player,” said Patthaisong.
“I feel really happy to come here and play in a professional league in the Philippines and play with Philippine players. I will gain a lot of experience here and I will take it with me in Thailand to improve myself,” added Seetaload.