DESPITE the backlash from fans and armchair pundits, Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara insisted that there was no politics involved in their decision not to include stars Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado in the women’s pool.
“There’s no politics. We don’t want to have politics in volleyball. We are trying very hard to make this happen,” Suzara said last Saturday on Radyo5 92.3 News FM’s Power and Play program hosted by former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala.
“In my first few days as president of the federation, when I presented my 10-point strategy, my first slogan was I want to change the landscape of volleyball in the Philippines in this presidency and this new federation,” he added.
Suzara insisted it was the decision of Brazilian consultant Jorge Edson Souza de Brito to tap younger players and exclude the likes of Valdez and Morado, both popular spikes and former mainstays of the national team.
“We leave that decision for the selection of the players. The federation gets the recommendation from the coaches but again the dedication and the attitude of the national team player is really very important,” the veteran sports hand said. “We’re not talking here about popularity kung sinong gusto ng fans, kung sinong gusto ng media.”
Choco Mucho and Rebisco wound up sixth and seventh, respectively in the seven-team field in the recent Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The PNVF is set to keep the 25-woman pool intact until next year.
The pool is bannered by Kalei Mau, Kim Dy, Dawn Macandili, Tin Tiamzon, Rhea Dimaculangan, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, MJ Phillips, Jema Galanza, Deanna Wong, Aby Maraño, Majoy Baron, Eya Laure, Mylene Paat, Iris Tolenada, Ria Meneses, Dell Palomata, Faith Nisperos, Jennifer Nierva, Mhicaela Belen, Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, Bernadett Pepito, and Imee Hernandez.
Also included in the pool are Jaja Santiago, who is proving her worth anew in Japan as an import for Ageo Medics, and Kat Tolentino, who begged off from joining the squads in the Thailand tilt due to health and safety concerns and was replaced by setter Angel Cayuna in the tourney.
“For me no, this will be the pool until next year since we have a lot of big events next year,” Suzara said.
